May 10, 2007

This weekend features the third Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championship trip for seven-time All-American Natasha Hastings. Hastings is no stranger to the tough competition of the SEC having several top thee finishes in multiple events, and even winning the 400m her freshman year. She hopes to continue an already impressive outdoor season in which she has won twice in the 400m and once in the 200m. Hastings was also a member of the 4x400m relay team, which recently finished first while posting the third best 4x400m relay time in USC history at the Penn Relays.

USC: You ran so well indoors, winning the SEC and NCAA titles in the 400m. What events will you be competing in this weekend?

NH: The 400m, 200m, 4x100m relay and the 4x400m relay.

USC: What are your best finishes in the SEC Championships?

NH: My freshman year I won the 400, and we also won the 4×400. My next year we won the 4×100, and I finished second in the 400.

USC: Having previous experience in this meet, what are you hoping for at this year’s meet?

NH: I’ve been having a great season so far so I definitely hope to continue on that path and improve on my marks so far this season. As a team, I want us to go out there and shoot for a top three or a top two finish. I’m just looking for a good performance and to enjoy the meet.

USC: Other than the actual competition, what is your favorite thing about the SEC Championships?

NH: Since it’s one of the big meets, my family always comes and my high school coach also tries to get out there. It’s also a chance to get to see some of my friends that I travel with over the summer.

USC: What do you differently to get yourself ready for a big meet like this?

NH: I don’t like to say that I do anything different because I feel like what I’ve done is what has gotten me here so I’m not going to change anything now because it’s worked so far. I’ll continue doing what I do, but I definitely do take it more seriously than any other meet. As far as preparation, I pray the same, train the same and get myself ready mentally in the same way. It’s the same thing, just a bigger meet.

USC: Do you have any pre-race ritual or lucky habits that you do before a race?

NH: Well, not so much a luck thing. This year I’ve been going through a spiritual maturity process. I’ve just realized that I’ve been so blessed throughout my college career, and even my whole life. I just feel like where I am right now is because of God. Before my races, I pray more than anything now. I have a book that has a few encouraging quotes that I use here and there. Of course, I also listen to my Ipod. My music keeps my nerves down, but pretty much I just get ready mentally and ask God to be with me and guide me through the race.