May 17, 2003

It is almost 10 p.m. at day three of the SEC Championships, the next to last day of the meet. I have been looking forward to today because I would be competing in two of my favorite events, the 100m hurdles and the long jump. I made sure I was prepared to do my best in those events so I could score as many points as possible for my team.

Again today we had to stop competition and go inside because of the weather. To pass the time I played cards with some of my teammates, something many of us were doing during the two-hour delay. We also used that to rest and to visualize what we wanted to do in our events. Everyone is affected by the weather delay and we wanted to make sure that it didn’t take away our focus.

I am excited for the final day of competition tomorrow because I still have one of my favorite events, the 100m hurdles finals, to compete in. I also will be competing in the triple jump. My goal is to do my best and help get points for the team.

I have been nursing an ankle injury, which is something that I learned to deal with. It is tough but because I want to compete so badly I am putting it out of my mind and going after it. With help from our trainer, I am doing everything possible to be as close to 100 percent as I can be.

As I get ready for the final day of the SEC Championships in my senior year, I find myself reflecting on my time as a Gamecock. I am really excited to be here with the team and with all my coaches. I have really enjoyed my years at USC. It is exciting to be part of such a great team and an experience I would never trade for anything. We have a close group and one that is very spiritual. It will be fun to follow the younger athletes and see how they carry on the legacy. Go Cocks!