TennesseeRunner.com Talks With Jacquelyn Coward of West H.S.

When, Where, and who got you started in running?
Jacquelyn - One of my coaches is Tyangela Sanders, her mother use to watch me run up and down the streets in my neighborhood. So one day she told me I need to find me a track club to run with in Knoxville and that's when I decided to run with Hershey Track Club.

Does or did anyone else in your family run? If so, where and when?
Jacquelyn - My mother ran the 400 back her day but it wasn't fast, my aunt ran the 100 hurdles if I'm not mistaken she was a runner up at the state meet. My sister ran the 800 meters she was kind of descent and currently I have a cousin name O'Bryan Sherrod who runs track and field for Savanna State .

What would you say is the most memorable event you competed in and how would you say you did?
Jacquelyn - 2005 USATF junior Olympics when I won the 100 hurdles in 13:67: I was just really excited and proud of myself.

Do you have a favorite track venue?
Jacquelyn - My favorite track is the Armory in New York City.

How has your training changed from the conclusion of cross country for others to track for you?
Jacquelyn - During the cross country season I was in fall training for track and the main difference between fall training and what I am doing now is way easier because I wasn't shape yet. Now the workouts are way easier because I am better shape.


Can you give us some insight to your training? (I.e. mileage, two a days, cross training, and workout samples)
Jacquelyn - Currently I am doing a lot of speed endurance, hurdle endurance type of workouts, like 450-350-250 with 8 minutes in between.

How would you say your training has been going for you and your team?
Jacquelyn - It's been going really good trying to get everybody in to shape we should be ready next month for the state meet both our girls and boys.

Can you tell us about your injuries this season (if any) and how you maintain focus and motivation during an injury period?
Jacquelyn - I had a mild sprain ankle which through me off, it sucked because I really wanted to run. I just had to listen to my coaches and be patient. Which only made me wanna run more, it was really frustrating

What events are you looking to focus on this on this season?
Jacquelyn - 100 hurdles - 400 meters - 200 meters for the school season but for the summer season I am focusing on the 100 hurdles-400 hurdles and try to make the World Junior team.

Based on your performances in the 2005 track & field season, what are you looking to achieve this season as it progresses?
Jacquelyn - I'm looking to just get out there and do my best, but my goals are to have 3 of the 5 state sprint records.

Do you have a specific pre-meet tradition/ritual, individually or as a team?
Jacquelyn - ALWAYS PRAY!! That's the first thing I do before I step out on the track.

When a race strategy changes from how you planned, how do you react?
Jacquelyn - I suck it up and deal with it, think about what I did wrong and how to fix it for the next time.

Who would you say is your biggest rival in track and field and how did this rival develop?
Jacquelyn - I feel like I don't have any local rivals but if I had to pick someone nationally it would be April Williams (TX) Gabby Mayo(NC) Nia Ali (PA) Shana Woods (CA) and Theresa Lewis(MD) those are the girls I consider to be the best girls in the country,

Have you decided on a college? If so where are you going / if not where are you considering?
Jacquelyn - No I haven't decided on a college. But the schools I am considering are UCLA, Texas A&M, Texas, LSU, and any other school that has a strong hurdle program.

What are you looking to achieve in life and in other areas after college?
Jacquelyn - Eventually go pro and go to the 2012 Olympics.

Do you have a favorite running book or movie?
Jacquelyn - I don't have one.

What do you see happening with track and field in Tennessee in the future?
Jacquelyn - I think track & field in Tennessee will improve as long as the athletes stop tying to be the best locally and pursue bigger goals. I also think people should be more supportive in this sport. Track should get the same attention as basketball and football do.



Thank you Jacquelyn for taking the time to talk with us.