Joel Terry was unsure whether he'd ever return to top form.

During his senior year at Union Springs, Terry ruptured his Achilles tendon playing football. It was a major blow to an athlete who had dreams of continuing his sports career in college.

But he worked his way back, recovering in time for the 2008 outdoor track and field season at Union Springs. He ran the 800-meter run, but still wasn't certain he could go all out on the leg.

Now he is.

A freshman at Liberty University in Virginia, Terry landed himself on the school's indoor track and field team, a Division I program.

And if just making the team isn't enough, Terry ran his way into a spot at the Penn State University Syke Sabock-Challenge Cup, quite an honor considering his team could only bring 25 runners to the vent.

“It's nice to see the hard work pay off,” Terry said.

He finished 23rd in the 800m while the Flames took third overall.

“It's really cool to beat big schools,” Terry added.

And to get a spot on the 25-man team, he had to do some convincing to his coach.

“I told him some of my times for the 800m,” Terry said. “He looked at them and allowed me to run.”

After the Penn State meet, Terry again ran for the Flames, finishing ninth overall (2:03.35) at the Tyson Invitational.

He also competed at the Big South Championships, which took place at Clemson University over the weekend. He finished fifth in an 800m preliminary heat but didn't advance to the finals.

In his short time at Liberty, Terry has enjoyed the bond he shares with his teammates. And the most important thing for him is sharing the love of a common sport.

“I enjoy being on a team that really enjoys the sport,” Terry said. “They are all busting their butts and so compassionate about the sport. I felt a part of this team right off the bat. I had to make a name for myself though.”

And he welcomes the competition. Terry enjoys competing against the best track and field athletes at the collegiate level and it's forced him to strive even harder.

“I'm not with little fish anymore,” Terry said. “These are the big dogs and it's nice to be in the mix with them.”

Despite the success, Terry doesn't believe he has yet to return to his previous form before the injury, but he's committed to getting it back.

“I know the process would be long,” he said. “I want to improve on top of getting back to where I was.

“I'm not content with where I am now. I want to be better and get back to where I was before the injury.”