May 24, 2007
Gainesville, Fla. – USCsports.com sat down with a number of the athletes competing at the NCAA East Region Championship this weekend. The following is a chat with Summerville’s own Precious Akins, a senior discus thrower who won the SEC title in her signature event two weeks ago. She is the defending champion in the discus at the East Region Championship.
South Carolina’s track teams qualified 12 women in 10 events plus its two relays (4×1, 4×4) and the men have qualified 10 men in eight events + its two relays for the NCAA East Region Championships May 25-26 in Gainesville, Fla. The top five in each event advance to the NCAA Championships June 6-9 in Sacramento, Calif.
The women are looking to win their third straight East Region title and the men were a program-high third last year. The women are currently ranked No. 3 nationally and the men No. 24.
USC: What events are you competing in?
PA: Just the discus this year.
USC: This weekend you are going to Regionals and you need to finish top five in your event to advance to the NCAA Championships. What have you done since the SEC Championship victory to prepare?
PA: Just to rest up so that I can be fresh and not in any pain.
USC: What was your favorite SEC moment?
PA: When I won the discus two weeks ago; that was a pretty good moment. I also enjoyed watching the women’s 4×4 win – they ran really well.
USC: You’ve been on the Dean’s List at Carolina. How do you balance school and competition?
PA: I study a lot on the road! Since I’m not in class a lot, I teach myself and just read and understand…that’s all I can do.
USC: What are your goals for Regionals?
PA: Place top five. Winning would be nice, but it’s important to place top five.
USC: What sports did you play growing up?
PA: I played every sport growing up. We even made up sports. I played kickball, racquetball, I did gymnastics. I did everything.
USC: Is there anything people would be surprised to know about you athletically?
PA: Throwers are more than just big and strong, we jump high, run fast, and we are good athletes all around.
USC: What do you want Gamecock fans to know about you?
PA: That I love my university and the track team. Please support us in whatever we do.
USC: What is your favorite thing about Carolina?
PA: The family atmosphere. Everybody gets along and as long as they are wearing garnet and black, they are a part of your family.
USC: What is the best lesson you’ve learned in life?
PA: Not to give up no matter what happens. No matter what obstacles come your way, just keeping pushing forward…never go backwards.
USC: Do you have any superstitions?
PA: When I’m at practice, I only take five throws. I cannot throw three in a row or two in a row. I have to throw five in a row.
USC: What do you like to do in your free time?
PA: In my free time, I sit and read nursing books. I just like to chill in my bed and do some online shopping.
