TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

I started running outdoor my junior year of high school. I really didn’t want to run track, but I made a promise to some of my friends that ran track that I would come out for the team and run and I’ve been doing it since.

2. What is the transition like, and what are the differences between indoor track season and outdoor season?

Indoor is more of a confined environment while outdoor is open and you have to deal with the elements. Also, the tracks indoors are smaller so, mentally, sometimes it feels like you are running more even though the distances are the same.

3. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor track?

Outdoor because you are outside and the weather is a factor. Plus the lanes are bigger so it allows you to stride out more.

4. You were named UB’s top newcomer last year, what were your expectations coming going into your freshman year last year?

To be the best I could be. That’s it. I didn’t want anything to hold me back, I wanted to do all I could to help the team.

5.Were there any surprises for you last year, or anything that was different from what you expected it would be at the college level?

I think the competition level was what surprised me the most. It seemed like every meet was very different than what it was like in high school.

6. Do you have a pre-event routine and if so, what is it?

I have to jump up as high as I can, then when I get in the blocks I always pray. I say the same prayer every time. Then I look forward at the finish line and beyond the finish line to where I want to finish my race. Then I close my eyes and get ready to go.

7. Of the events that you run, the 60-meter indoor, the 100-meters, the 200-meters and the 400-meters, do you like any one more than the others?

I love the 200, the 400 I am getting more into. I run the relays too and I love the relays because they bring out a team intensity that you can’t find in the individual events.

8. You currently hold the UB records in the 60- and 200-meters indoors. Are there any other records that you have an eye on breaking?

I want to take down my records again. I’m trying to get the 400 (meters) and the 4x100 (relay) indoor. Outdoor I want the 100 (meters), the 200 (meters), then 400 (meters), 4x400 (relay), 4x200 (relay) and 4x100 (relay).

9. What are your goals and expectations for the rest of the season?

Last year I almost made it to junior nationals, so this year I want to qualify for the NCAAs and hopefully the Olympic trials.

10. If you could play any other sport at UB, what and why?

Basketball. I love basketball, that’s my true sport. That is what I had to give up in high school to run track. So it would definitely be basketball.