Adrian Diaz Lopez is happiest when running long distances. When injuries took that joy for almost two years, he substituted loading drinks on the bus, food runs and cheering for teammates.
He did so much teammates nicknamed him "Sherpa," for the famous mountain guides.
"All year, when he's not competing, he's at the meets working pole vault for hours," Wichita State distance coach Kirk Hunter said. "He continually told us last year 'Work me as much as you can, because I have to contribute somehow. Tell me what I can do to help.