Oklahoma City University ended up with four top positions in the outdoor track season-opening games that were held on Saturday, March 26, at the Oklahoma Baptist Invitational.
OCU had four top-six finishers at the season-opening Oklahoma Baptist Invitational.
With a time of 15 minutes, 01.74 seconds, Jaquavious Harris placed second in the 5,000-meter run. Halen Biggs took sixth place in that event with a time of 15:27.64.
Others who performed at the meet included Tate Smithhart who finished third in the 800-meter run at 1:57.33, Fares Marrouf who finished fifth in the 800-meter run at 1:57.64,
Bryce Connell a senior at OCU completed the 200-meter dash at 22.28, and Jordan Iwuchukwu who finished 8th in the shot-put event.
Speaking to MediaOCU in a brief interview, Jaquavious tells us how he is preparing himself to be a better player, as well the positive roles running has played in his life.
How did you feel competing at the outdoor season-opening games?
“I had a montage of emotions! Happy, excited, nervous, anxious, hungry to perform well, and I was constantly praying to God for help.”
What strengths do you think you have that have made you a better athlete?
“I think innately, my willingness to be humble, learn and be teachable has helped me; Zouhair, our Olympian runner on the team, just days before nationals privately gave me advice and helped me with my running form. We practiced together and we did strides, and we took turns running up and down the streets to strengthen me as a runner. He gave me advice about my shoulders and the power behind relaxing whilst running.”
How do you train effectively?
“I train effectively by following a simple rule. Consistency before intensity. The more consistent I am, I see better results, as opposed to being intense. Also, just learning to have fun with it, regardless of the nerves and the pain of improving.”
What are your plans going forward as an athlete?
“My next plans so far are of course to spike up for outdoor season, we have our first race next Saturday, along with coach is striving to get a few of us to qualify for the Stanford Invitational in California later this summer to run the U.S. Standard so we can hopefully qualify for the US Championships, World Championships and then Olympic trials. Of course, I want to go pro; however, I am taking it one blessing at a time. To God be the glory!”
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