May 13, 2011

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By Miquel Jacobs
Media Relations Assistant

SEC Outdoor Championships | Thursday – Sunday

Live Results | Live Video (Saturday/Sunday) | SC Notes

General Information | SEC Outdoor Championships at Athens, Ga.

Championship Central | Women’s Heat Sheets | Men’s Heat Sheets

ATHENS, Ga. – The first day of competition is in the books at the SEC Outdoor Championships with four points on the board for the Gamecock men’s team, and today is the first day that runners will hit the track at the Spec Towns Track facility. One runner competing today is junior Radiance Basden, who will compete in the 400-meter hurdle prelims at 7:45 p.m.

Basden has made waves this year and has taken the conference by storm in her premier event – the triple jump. She set her collegiate best in the event last week with a jump of 42’2 (12.85m) at the Dick Taylor Relays, is in the national top 25 in the event and now ranks No. 5 in Gamecock history. When the event is contested Sunday afternoon, Basden will look to become the first triple jumper to score at the SEC meet since Kemesha Whitmire won the event in 2005.

But Basden has excelled in more ways than on the track. An advertising major with a minor in sport and entertainment management was recently one of 14 people nationwide selected to receive a prestigious scholarship from the American Advertising Federation for promising minorities with high GPA’s. We met up with Basden to ask her a little about her scholarship and the year on the track.

What scholarship did you get and what is it for?
I was been selected to receive the American Advertising Federation 2011 Home Depot Most Promising Minority Students Scholarship. The criteria said, “With the support of The Home Depot, the American Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Center on Multiculturalism will award fourteen (14) $5,000 scholarships to deserving minority students majoring in advertising, marketing or communications. As college sophomores and juniors, these students should exhibit the potential to become one of AAF’s Most Promising Minority Students by their senior year.”

What did you have to go through to get it? What was the process for applying?
The application process included completing an application form, current resume, along with an official college transcript (sealed), recommendation letter from college professor or employer and an essay addressing the following topic (250 words or fewer): What is the significance of having a diverse workforce within the marketing and advertising industries?

What are your post-graduation goals?
Post-graduation I plan to enroll in a masters program and continue my education. I have been considering many schools such as UNC, NC State, High Point University and of course USC. I would like to enroll in a sports management program or marketing. I am not sure yet.

Have you had any internships, and if so, what did you get out of the experiences?
In Fall 2010, I was a football Game Day Intern for Gamecock Sports Properties. During this experience, I helped set up, monitor and manage the university’s alcohol-free student tailgate. Also, I hosted clients for pregame and halftime activities, as well as, distribute programs, exit samples and surveys around the stadium to various locations. Personally, this was the best hands on learning experience I have ever had in my life. I learned how to work long, hard hours in a fast paced environment. My coworkers and bosses helped me to understand the behind-the-scenes action of what goes on during promotional and marketing activities prior to, during and post game. I excited to be returning as a game day intern for my senior year.

You’ve continued to have such a great year on the track. Last week you become the first person to crack the school’s top five in the triple in over 6 years. So far, how would you describe your junior season?
I feel honored to crack the school’s top 5!! My junior season has been my best season so far. I am thrilled at the marks and times I have been putting on the board. Last fall was a great fall training season for the team and I believe it set the foundation for competition season. I am excited to see what is store for me in the upcoming meets.

What are your goals for the rest of the season?
My goals for the season include scoring at the SEC conference meet in the triple jump and 400 hurdles. I would like to hit 13 meters (42 feet 8 inches) and run under 59 sections in the 400 hurdles. I would love to contribute to our team goal of placing top 3 in the SEC championship this week.