For junior sprinter Charles Silmon, the 2011 season did not live up to his expectations. This season, however, will be different.

Silmon, a member of  the track and field team has to be a better leader, head coach Darryl Anderson said.

“He can’t continue to fly under the radar, he’s got to step up and be a leader if he is going to be the face of the program,” Anderson said.

Silmon said he is looking to rebound after the 2011 season..

“I didn’t accomplish anything I wanted to accomplish,” he said.

Silmon was a second-team All-American in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash events in 2011. He also won Mountain West Conference Championship titles in the 100, the 200, and 4×100 meter relay.

Silmon was a member of the United States Junior Team in 2010 where his team won the gold medal in the 4×100 meter relay at the International Association of Athletics Federations World Junior Championships. According to GoFrogs.com, he is only the third athlete to medal in the IAAF World Junior Championships under Anderson.

According to the Jan. 24, 2012, edition of the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association, Silmon ranks 19th in the 60-meter dash.

Silmon said he has bigger goals for 2012.

He said he hopes to be more focused and more determined this season, and his focus will not be limited to the track.

“[I need to] stay focused, stay healthy, practice harder, and be a better student in class,” Silmon said.

His focus must be the team first, and then himself, Anderson said.

He said he hoped Silmon will take on a bigger role in 2012. Silmon should repeat as Mountain West Champion in 2012, Anderson said. 

Silmon’s past experiences can help him be a better leader for his teammates, Anderson said.

“I have been through a lot, I’ve seen a lot of things,” Silmon said.

He said he feels his past experiences have given him an advantage as a leader over his teammates.

Silmon said he can help his teammates when they are down, such as by giving them a boost everyday in practice if they need it.

He said his expectations for the 2012 season are very high. He said he hopes to be one of the top five sprinters in the country this season.

“This year I’m looking forward to accomplishing a lot of things,” Silmon said.

Silmon said he sees himself competing in the Olympics one day.

“[I] most definitely see myself in that position [as an Olympian],” he said.