June 5, 2006

Attention track fans! Or just Gamecock fans! Here’s the deal, I, Jason Richardson of Cedar Hill, Texas and now Gamecock Nation, am doing a practicum with USC’s Sport Information Department and I’ve been given the amazing opportunity of providing daily recaps from interworkings of my brain, along with detailed interviews with my teammates and their quest towards track greatness. I’m a rising junior and will be participating in the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships along with a slew of nationally ranked team members. Lace up your spikes and stretch, because the races are about to begin…

Kettiany Clarke (Keke for short) is one of USC’s freshman standouts in the multis (hurdles and jumps specifically.) An immediate contributor of valuable conference points, Clarke finished 3rd in the pentathlon at the SEC Indoor Championships and followed an impressive showing with a 3rd place heptathlon finish at this year’s SEC Outdoor Championships.

Richardson (USC): First off, how does it feel to score immediately as a freshman in such a tough conference as the SEC?

Keke: It feels good to contribute as a freshman because you’re helping your team towards achieving the goals of team championships, all your hard work is paying off.

USC: You are here as an alternate for the 4x100m relay. This is your first Division I Nationals experience. What do you expect and what impact do you feel it will have on your upcoming year?

Keke: Although I’m not expecting to run, I expect the competition to be tough. And for my upcoming years I would like to be in those tough competitions and actually make it into the finals and score.

USC: Out of all the events that you contest, which is your favorite and why?

Keke: The hurdles are my favorite because I’ve been doing it for almost all my life, a very long time at the least.

USC: What are some of your goals for the upcoming year?

Keke: To score at the SEC’s indoor and outdoor meets and to participate at Nationals in my events as well.

USC: Now it’s time to get to know you. What is your nickname and what do you do for fun?

Keke: My teacher gave me ‘Keke’ in the 7th grade because my name was too long (said with a grin). I enjoy reading, writing poetry, and hanging out with the track team… oh and definitely dancing.

USC: What would you feel is your biggest asset that you provide to the team?

Keke: I really don’t know, just me being me. I’m a very energetic person, I bring people up when they’re down. I try to motive people, and I stress the importance of teamwork

USC: Lastly, what if anything, would you like to say to Gamecock fans?

Keke: Keeping being a Gamecock fan, because Gamecocks keep fighting. Gamecocks are THE Best!

Thank you for your time.