May 24, 2007

USCsports.com sat down this week with a number of the athletes competing at the NCAA East Region Championship this weekend. The following is a chat with Easley’s Derek Pressley (DP), a junior at South Carolina who enters the meet seeded at No. 4 in the triple jump after winning a silver medal at the SEC Championship two weeks ago.

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: This weekend you’re going to Regionals. You need to finish top five in your event to advance to the NCAA Championship. What have you done since the SEC Championship to prepare?

DP: Last week was really just a recovery so I really didn’t do too much. I’m starting to get back into it this week–I don’t jump until Saturday. We had a really good practice today, but I won’t be doing too much jumping tomorrow. Just getting my mind and my body prepared for the meet.

USC: What events are you competing in this weekend?

DP: The triple jump.

USC: What are your goals for Regionals?

DP: My goals for Regionals are to be in the top five and make it to Nationals. I’m going for the school record.

USC: What was your favorite SEC moment?

DP: Probably this past SEC, when I placed second and got a personal best by 2 feet. It felt like a real breakthrough for me and a confidence-builder as well. Our team also did very well.

USC: How do you balance school with competition?

DP: I think that it takes a lot of experience. You have to get used to it. It was hard my freshman year, but the coaches and the academic advisors really worked to balance it out to help me.

USC: Do you have any superstitions?

DP: No, not really. I just want to do the best, and that’s all I can say. I know my teammates will get me there.

USC: What sports did you play growing up?

DP: Just about everything. I think the main three sports were track and field, basketball and football.

USC: What’s the best lesson you’ve learned in life?

DP: It has to be to just put God first, and he will get you there.

USC: What do you want Gamecock fans to know about you?

DP: That I am a student athlete, not just an athlete. I like to consider myself a leader and not a follower.

USC: What’s your favorite thing about Carolina?

DP: Just the atmosphere–I love it. I’ve always wanted to be a Gamecock. I also love my teammates and my classmates. The coaches are so down-to-earth and understanding about everything.

USC: Is there anything people would be surprised to know about your athletically?

DP: I guess my size. When people look at me, they wouldn’t think that I’m a jumper because I’m only, but so tall. Jumpers are usually on the average about 6′ 2.

USC: What do you like to do in your free time?

DP: I usually hang with my teammates. We go to the mall, play video games – just hang out.