Throughout the season, men's and women's track & field athletes will give a quick question and answer session here on GoRhody.com to help fans get to know the teams a little. Today's interview is with senior sprinter Jennifer Christian. The next meet is later today at the New England Championship in Boston, Mass. starting at 12 p.m.
GoRhody.com: What factors went into your decision to attend the University of Rhode Island?
JC: Location, it wasn't too far from home and not too close. I thought it was a great environment. I didn't want to go to a big city school.
GoRhody.com: What first got you into track & field?
JC: In high school, I didn't have a lot of friends. The friends that I did have ran track so I had to do it too to be involved with them. It was something to do. I didn't know that I was good and when I realized it a liked it. Everyone told me I was good so I stuck with it.
GoRhody.com: How did you choose what running events to compete in?
JC: I knew that I definitely didn't want to do distance because I know that I get tired easy and it's really hard. I think they just needed more people sprinting and I knew I was good at that. That's how I picked it really.
GoRhody.com: What are you most excited about this season?
JC: Mostly just seeing where I am and how much I've improved from last year. I'm excited for my team because I know we're a great team now and I want to see what we can all do together. Personally, I can just hope to get better each week, to get faster and stronger.
GoRhody.com: What do you do on the day of a meet to prepare for the day ahead?
JC: I eat a lot of course. If it's a big meet I try to stay away from the track as much as possible. I just hide somewhere and listen to music right up until my event.
GoRhody.com: What is your major and what do you hope to do in the future?
JC: I'm a communications major and I really want to work with kids and give back to the community. I want to be a part of a youth center, some type of after-school program or in-school program, getting kids to stay in school, go to college and get good jobs. Being a part of a team will help me in the future with this type of work.
GoRhody.com: Do you have a favorite class and why?
JC: I'm a theater minor so I do like my theater classes, they're very fun to be in and different from other classes that I have. It's a good way to get away from track. I worked couple plays last semester behind stage, not onstage though. I've never been on stage. One day maybe.
GoRhody.com: What is the most memorable piece of advice anyone has every given you?
JC: My high school coach one day before a big meet gave us a big speech and I remember her stressing no regrets. I still to this day think about that and how everything happens for a reason and you shouldn't regret anything that you do.
GoRhody.com: If you weren't on the track & field team, and you could be on any other team at URI, what other team would you be on?
JC: My favorite sport is football but I obviously can't play that! I love football. I really like the Philadelphia Eagles. I used to want to play football.
GoRhody.com: Do you go to Six Flags New England a lot being from Springfield, Mass.?
JC: I do have a season pass. Honestly, I don't like roller coasters but I can sit in the water park all day so during the summer time that's where I am if I'm not at work. I won't get on the superman ride; I probably won't ever give it a try. I need something a little more than the lap bar.
