text: Former B-CU track stars Ronnie Ash, Eric Cray qualify for Rio Games
  Garfield Ellenwood saw something in Ronnie Ash and Eric Cray that other coaches didn't.
  Now, nearly a decade later, his faith in them has been rewarded as the two former Bethune-Cookman track and field athletes have qualified for the Rio Olympics.
  "It has definitely been an honor, seeing them develop through the years, and remembering I was the only one to offer them full scholarships," said Ellenwood, who coached both at B-CU and now manages Elite Athletes International in Tallahassee where Ash trains. "Knowing that I saw something in them and to see where they are now, it's just a blessing. I just thank God that He gave me a chance to give them a chance."
  Ash, who was a 2009 national champion in two events for the Wildcats, qualified for Rio in the 110-meter hurdles after finishing second at the U.S. Olympic Trails on July 9. Cray, who is competing for the Philippines, took second in the 400 hurdles at the IAAF World Challenge Cup in Madrid on June 28 in 48.98 seconds, an Olympic-qualifying time (49.40 is the standard).
  "One of the things that drives them (is that) they both have that kill or be killed attitude … that's what got them through," Ellenwood said.
  "That's the name of the game at the Olympics is to live to fight another day, to do what it takes to get to the next round."
  For Ash, making the Olympic team offer a sweet bit of redemption. He'd lost his chance to medal at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing after being disqualified for leaving the blocks early. The starter's gun sounded, and then he heard that dreaded second shot, meaning someone had left the blocks early. When singled out, Ash was confused. He appeared sure he had not left early. Ash remained on the track and argued with officials before being ushered away.
  Ash rebounded with a strong performance at the Trials, although he punched his ticket to Rio by just .001 seconds. After posting the fastest qualifying and semifinal times, he was upset by Devon Allen in the final. He then found himself neck-and-neck with former B-CU assistant coach Jeff Porter for the final Olympic qualifying spot, but in a photo finish, Ash took second in 13.21 seconds.
  "I'm very excited," said Ellenwood. "He'll have a good opportunity to medal. I know where we went wrong between the semis and finals (at the Trials). Ronnie has a pin in his (right) foot, and he aggravated it right before the race. We need to back off a little bit between rounds. We need to find more options to not pound him before the race."
  Cray was just .02 seconds behind the winner in Madrid and smashed the Philippine national record of 49.07 which he himself set in Japan on May 8.
  "Eric has a great chance," Ellenwood said. "He has (personal bests) twice this year already. He always had that killer instinct."