Jan. 31, 2002

What one thing would you like to accomplish this year?

I really want to contribute to the team this year, that is my main goal. My times are coming down in the mile and the 3000. I just want to keep improving with every meet and so far it is going well.

What is the biggiest difference between South Carolina and Illinois?

The weather and the training conditions. I have been able to train all winter and you can’t do that in Illinois. When I went home for Winter Break, it was tough to get my running in. It has been nice to have all year round to work on my running.

How is college track different from high school track? Is it better or worse?

It is definitely better. College track is a lot more intense. Every meet is like my state meet in high school. It has really helped me improve and it has been tougher, but I like it. It has been more time consuming too.

What is the best part of the University of South Carolina?

I like the southern hospitality. Everybody down here is really nice. I like the people and the coaches are great here. My teammates are also great. I have really enjoyed my experience here at South Carolina.

Do you have a sweet tea fix?

I’m not really a sweet tea fan, but I have slipped a “y’all” into my vocabulary.

How was your first Cross Country seasoon? Was it a success?

I had a really good cross country season, I was very happy. I won a couple meets, which was a huge shock, but I ran number one the whole season. The SEC Championship meet was definitely a great experience for me to get a feel for what it is like and I am excited for the chance to do that again in Indoor and Outdoor Track.

What is your most memorable track and field moment?

“Meeting Rachel Farabee” (Rachel shouts in the background). Probably the SEC Championships in Cross Country up to this point because it was really intense and it was my first big experience with college running.

Who have you been impressed by the most with their work ethic (choose one male and one female)?

Demetria [Washington] is the obvious choice for the women. She is very intense and she really works hard. She is obvoiusly talented, but that all comes from hard work. I am always amazed by her. Otukile Lekote actually trains with us for long distance and it doesn’t matter how many times I watch him run, I am still amazed every time. He is a great runner and he is a great person too.

What is your favorite sport to watch/play other than track and field?

I grew up playing soccer but gave it up my sophomore year of high school, so I love that sport. I try and get out and watch USC soccer as much as I can.

What do you like most about the coaches at USC?

Stan [Rosenthal] is a really great coach. He coached cross country and long distance and he always treats everybody as individuals. He has really helped me to bring down my times in the workouts. He knows what he is talking about, running wise. Coach Frye is very inspirational and makes you want to do well for the team. He takes time to go out of his way to make sure we feel a part of a team and not as just an individual runner.