Interview with Levi Cummings
Levi, what school do you attend?
I’m an eighth grader at Athens Christian middle school.
What events do you compete in and which event is your favorite?
I compete in the Pole Vault, 100m hurdles, and the 4x100m relay. My favorite event is the hurdles but my best event would be the Pole Vault.
What are your best marks in your events?
Pole Vault = 11’, 100m hurdles = 14.22
What events will you participate in at the state meet?
I will be in the pole vault, 100m hurdles, and the 4x100m relay.
Levi, you seem to be an all around track athlete who can compete in the field as well as on the track. How is it, you are able to excel in both areas?
I really enjoy this sport. Even though we compete on a team, it’s very much an individual sport. The preparation and work is all up to you. You have to want to get better and make your goals come true.
Who is the most inspirational person in your life?
My dad, Tim Cummings is the inspirational person in my life.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza
What do you like to do for fun?
Play video games and hang out with my brother-n-law, playing basketball.
What is your nickname?
‘Fruity Pebbles’
What is your favorite movie?
Gladiator
Interview with Antwonette Thomas
Antwonette, how old were you when you started running?
I was 6 or 7 years old when I started running track.
What do you like about running track?
I like making new friends and going on trips.
What events do you run and which event is your favorite?
I run the 800m, 1500m, and 3000m. My favorite event is the 3000m run.
What are your best times in your events?
800m= 2:32, 1500m= 5:01, and 3000m= 10:56
What events will you participate in at the state meet?
I’m running the 1600m, 3200m, and the 4x800m relay.
Which school are you attending?
I am a 6th grader at Indian Creek middle school in Covington, Georgia.
Antwonette, you were in a position last year this time, where you were unable to run and did not know if you were going to be able run the same way ever again. But you came back and became a national champion by summer’s end. What happen to you? How did it affect you and what have you learned from it?
In December of 2008, I was attacked by a pit-bull and my leg was damaged really badly. I had surgery on my leg, was in a cast, and was in a wheel chair for weeks. I wasn’t able to run for over 4 months. I felt really down about not being able to run but the time off was good for me. I run all year and so it was good to have a break. The recovery time was much quicker than I thought. Many people thought I would not be able to run last summer but I did. I depended on my family and my coaches who supported me. I learned to never give up when you have set goals in life. I came back from my injury and won the Junior Olympics in the 3000m that same year.
What are your goals for 2010?
I want to run faster in all of my individual events.
What is your favorite food?
Seafood
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to go shopping.
What kind of music do you like?
I like T.I. and the New Boyz
Interview with Joseph Ruggiers
Joseph Ruggiers
Joseph, when did you begin your track and field career?
I began my career in the 5th grade. My coach saw me and wanted to give me an opportunity.
What events do you compete in?
I compete in the Shot Put, Discus, and all the relays.
You are the state’s top middle school thrower. Which throwing event would you say, you enjoy the most?
I would say that my favorite is the Discus.
What school do you attend?
I am an 8th grader at Athens Christian middle school.
Why do you like the throwing events?
The throws are very relaxing to me. Plus I enjoy throwing things. You have to have good technique to be a good thrower. I can relate the techniques and dedication of the throws to how you should live life. You have to be able to make the right choices in life and be dedicated to the goals you want to accomplish.
Joseph, what events will you participate in at the state meet?
I will be throwing the Discus, Shot Put, and running the relays
What are your personal records?
In the Discus = 161’, Shot Put= 41’
What are your goals for 2010?
Well, in the beginning of the season my goal was to throw 160’ this season. I have surpassed that goal. Now, I want to throw 170’ at the state meet.
Let’s find out a little more about Joseph. What is your favorite food?
Sesame chicken and fried steak
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to shoot and have target practice with my Dad. I enjoy playing video games and hang with my brother, Jim.
What is your favorite movie?
The Blind Side
Do you have a nickname?
‘Ham Bone’
Interview with Tatiyana Caffey
Tatiyana Caffey
Tatiyana, when did you begin running and why do you enjoy the sport?
I started running at the age of 9. I enjoy running because it gives a chance to show off my talent and it keeps me out of trouble. I think it will help me out in the future when I am trying to go to college.
What events do you run?
I run the 800m, 1600m, and the 400m sometimes. My favorite event is the 800m run.
You pretty much stayed under the radar during cross country but had an exceptional season. Which one do you enjoy the most, track or cross country?
I enjoy track the most.
What school do you attend?
I’m an 8th grader at Miller Grove Middle School.
You are one of the top 8th graders in the state. What events will you participate in at the state meet?
I’m running the 800m and 1600m. I want to run under 2:16 and under 5:12.
Tatiyana, what are your current PR’s in your events?
800m= 2:16, 1600m= 5:17, and 400= 58
What are your goals for 2010?
My goal is to win nationals during the summer. I want to run faster than 2:10 in the 800m and run in the 4:30’s in the 1500m.
What is your favorite movie?
Million Dollar Baby
What is your favorite food?
Hot Wings
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to go out with friends and watch television.
Do you have a nickname?
‘Tati’, ‘Tink’, Te-Te, and my coach calls me Caffey.
Interview with Rachel and Harper Sigler, ‘The Sigler Twins’
Rachel Sigler
Rachel, when did you begin running and why do you enjoy the sport?
I began running in the 3rd grade. I enjoy track because it is fun and I get to see my hard work pay off.
What events do you run?
I run the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m. My favorite event is the 1600m run.
You are a big time competitor in track and cross country. Which one do you enjoy the most?
I like to run cross country more than track.
What school do you attend?
I am a 6th grader at Oconee County Middle School.
You are one of the top 6th graders in the state. What events will you participate in at the state meet?
I’m running the 1600m and 3200m. I hope to run 5:45 or faster in the 1600m and run 12:40 or faster in the 3200m.
Rachel, what are your current PR’s in your events?
800m= 2:40, 1600m= 5:48, and 3200m= 13:01
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to ride my bike in the neighborhood and play with my friends.
What is your favorite movie?
The Blind Side
What is your favorite food?
Angel hair pasta
Harper Sigler
Harper, now it’s your turn. When did you begin running track?
I started running when I was 11 years old.
What events do you run?
I run the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m. My favorite event is the 800m run.
You are very athletic and play several sports year round. You’ve also had a very productive cross country season in 2009. Do you prefer track or cross country?
I like track more than cross country.
What are your PR’s in your track events?
800m= 2:29, 1600m= 5:27, 3200m= 11:52
What events are you running at the state meet?
I’m running the 3200m and the 4x800m relay.
What are some goals you have set for yourself this year?
I want to run 2:25 or faster in the 800m, run 5:20 or faster in the 1600m, and run 11:30 or faster in the 3200m.
What is your favorite movie?
The Blind Side
What is your favorite food?
Pizza
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to play basketball and hang out with friends.
Do you have a nickname?
‘Bud Bud’
