Monthly Archives: November 2018

Red Wolves Attract Track Athletes

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by Marvin Davis
Delta Digital News Services

JONESBORO – The Arkansas State University track and field teams’ history attracts athletes who are willing to work.

A-State track alumni include special athletes like Earl Bell, an Olympic pole vaulter, and Jaylen Bacon, an All-Conference runner.

Junior Christopher Hill chose A-State because of the traditions and competitiveness.

“I came to Arkansas State’s program because of its tradition of bringing in athletes with a solid ethical foundation, which make us want to be more than just conference champions. We want to be national championship contenders,” Hill said.

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Christopher Hill relaxes in the union after one of his classes.

Many memories can be made on the track team that result in creating bonds with teammates.

“During my freshmen indoor season at New Mexico Don Kirby Meet, I had a great experience watching professionals and collegiate run together, as well as enjoying my time with my teammates,” Hill said. “One of the benefits of being on the track team is creating memorable moments, friendships and inside jokes.”

The A-State coaching staff has new members and things are still running smoothly.

“The new staff members have suggested new ideas, which complements the ideas of staff members with years of experience. It’s phenomenal to see all of us working together,” Hill said.

This season, Hill will run the 60-meter and 200-meter for the indoor season. He will run the 100-meter, 200-meter and the 4×100-meter during the outdoor season.

Junior sprinter and hurdler Amari James of Little Rock decided to attend A-State because of the competitiveness of other athletes and the memorable moments experienced during his initial visit.

“A-State has produced multiple Olympians and the program is successful,” he said. “A-State was the only university that gave me a chance to run at the Division I level.”

James will compete in the 60-meter hurdles, 4×400-meter relay and the triple jump for the indoor season. During the outdoor season, he will compete in the 110-meter hurdle, triple jump and the 4×400-meter relay. James recalled some memorable moments on the track team.

“Going to Arizona and racing against Aries Merritt, the world-record holder for the 110-meter hurdles, was one of my most memorable moments,” he said.

James said he feels adding funds to the track program can improve the team capabilities and push the track program over the top.

“If we had more money, the team could own its indoor back track and weight room,” he said.

Jadyn Lewis

Sophomore Jadyn Lewis prepares for a workout with coach Jim Patchell. (photo by Marvin Davis)

Other members on the track team like sophomore Jadyn Lewis, a North Little Rock native, had different reasons to come.

“The coaching staff, performance expectations and the campus atmosphere during my visit was the reason that landed me at A-State,” Lewis said.

Lewis will compete in the 400-meter and possibly the 200-meter and 4×400-meter relay.

“I feel as though the students and community should come out more to the track meets to enhance the atmosphere, that’s just my theory,” she said. “With the resources we have, the program is doing great. The men’s team won the indoor and outdoor conference titles and the women are right there.”

 

Freshmen Move to the Fast Lane

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by Marvin Davis
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – Arkansas State University freshmen track and field runners are adapting to the new lifestyle as a college athlete on and off the track.

With a new practice routine and school schedule, the freshmen look to take on the challenge.

Courtney Thomas, a jumper and hurdler originally from Memphis, attended Central High School in Little Rock. Like other freshmen, he’s adjusting to college life.

“Coming from high school to college academics is different because in high school you work to pass a standard state test at the end of the year,” Thomas said. “In college, it is more about the professors giving you information they feel will help you in the real world.”

Thomas will compete in the 400-meter relay, long jump and triple jump.

“The tools that were taught in high school have carried over to college because school and track is about grinding, staying humble and taking care of your body,” Thomas said.

Steffan Mallory hails from Daytona Beach, Florida, where he attended Mainland High School.

“You get more of a workload in college on a regular basis, where in high school you probably had homework two times a week,” Mallory said.

Mallory will compete in the 200-meter, 400-meter and long jump.

“The responsibilities have also changed,” Mallory said. “College athletics is like a job and high school was more for fun. Being on the team comes with benefits like helping you stay on top of your work.”

Daidren Davis attended Bartram Trail High School in St. John’s, Florida. He said classes are easy to manage.

“I didn’t really plan out my time in high school. I didn’t take structured notes or use a planner, and I still don’t,” Davis said. “Track is different. The work is harder so I have to pay attention to my body. I have to manage my eating schedule since my classes get out at different times.”

Davis will run in the 110-meter hurdles and the 400-meter hurdles.

“The track team is friendly and you get a sense of self-satisfaction from being on the team,” Davis said.

The freshmen will continue to work on and off the track as they get ready for their first collegiate track meet.