May 25, 2007

USCsports.com sat down this week with a number of the athletes competing at the NCAA East Region Championship Friday and Saturday. The following is a chat with Shalonda Solomon (SS), the defending NCAA East region 100m and 200m champion. She also ran a leg of the winning 4x100m relay for Carolina last year.

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?

SS: I believe the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.

USC: What are your goals for Regionals?

SS: My goal is to run healthy, without any injuries or pain. Just go out there and get back to 100%.

USC: This weekend you are going to Regionals. You need to finish top five in your event. What have you done since the SEC championship to prepare?

SS: Practice, rehab for my hip and for my quad. A lot of mind preparation.

USC: What has been your favorite SEC moment during your career?

SS: When we won the team title my freshmen year. It was unexpected and we were all so happy.

USC: You’ve been on the Dean’s List, how do you balance school with competition?

SS: School, track, and church. That’s basically all I do. If I’m not on the track, I’m in my room or the library studying or at church.

USC: Do you have any superstitions or rituals?

SS: Just pray, ask God to keep me through the race and guide me through the finish.

USC: What sports did you play growing up?

SS: I started running track when I was about 9 years old. And that’s all I’ve done as far as sports. If I do anything else I just do it for fun.

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

SS: Nothing’s guaranteed so keep working hard at it.

USC: What is your favorite thing about Carolina?

SS: The people; it’s much different than in California. People are friendlier here and they try to help you out. Tasting new things, trying new things and meeting new people.

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

SS: I like to stay in the bed and watch movies.

USC: What is your favorite movie?

SS: The Little Mermaid.