Interview with Kawon Bryant
Kawon, when did you begin running and why?
Well, I was always the fastest on the football field. In the seventh grade my track coach asked me to join the team.
What events do you run?
I run the 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump, triple jump, 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay. I am competing in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and triple jump at the state championships.
You are a big time competitor in track and field. What other sports do you compete in?
I play basketball, football, and baseball. My favorite sport is football. I play running back and linebacker.
What do you like most about track and field?
I love to compete. I enjoy the competition that other runners bring to the meets and I like to meet the challenges head on.
Kawon, what are your current PR’s in your events?
100m= 10.97, 200m= 22.57, and 400m= 52.01
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to play football in the yard with my brother and friends.
What is your favorite movie?
The Blind Side
What is your favorite food?
Chicken
Kawon is an eighth grader at Malcom Bridge Middle School. He is a two sport star whose accomplishments have exceeded many from his area whom have come before him. Kawon’s story is such a captivating one that only those close to him really understand. His story could be compared to the movie, The Blind Side. His legal guardian, Frank Gray, spotted Kawon during little league football when he was 9 years old. Through years of getting to know Kawon and Kawon getting to know the Gray family, a special bond was formed. Frank felt led to make Kawon a permanent member of the family and the relationship grew from there. The love shared within the Gray household is remarkable and Frank sees Kawon as a true blessing from God.
Kawon is the reigning 100m, 100m hurdles, and 200m Georgia Middle School State Champion. He also was the 2010 Most Outstanding Male Performer at the championships.
Interview with Aliyah Abrams
What got started running track and why do you enjoy the sport?
My brother started track first, and he wanted me to come out, so one day I did, and I liked it, because it was something different. I like track, because it challenges me, and it makes me feel accomplished.
What events do you run and which one is your favorite?
I run the 200m, 400m, and the 100m. My favorite event is the 200m, because it’s all about speed. It’s not too long, or too short, and it doesn’t make me too tired.
Which middle school do you attend?
I attend Bay Creek Middle School, and two years earlier McConnell Middle School.
What are your current PR’s in your events?
100m: 12.40, 200m: 24.60, 400m: 54.08
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to swim, activities involving art, and doing things with my friends.
What is your favorite movie?
The X-Men series
What is your favorite food?
Crab legs
Who has the biggest influence on your life?
My mother
What events are you participating in at the state meet?
I am competing in the 200m, definitely 400m, 4x100, and 4x400 depending on my coach.
Aliyah is one of the fastest 13 year old, 400m specialists in the country. She will be a state champion contender when she runs in high school next season.
Aliyah is also the reigning 200m and 400m Georgia MS state champion.
Interview with Jasmir Spearman
1. How did you get started running track?
It all started one July 4th when I was racing my friends. I was beating everyone and my parents thought I may have potential talent, so I asked my Mom if I could go out for Track at my school.
2. What do you like most about track and field?
I like competing against other runners. It feels good when I put my all into a race and my reward is a medal. I also like bonding with my teammates, we have a lot of fun together.
3. What events do you run?
3000m, 1600m, 1500m & 800m
4. What is your favorite event?
1500 meter run & 4x400 meter relay.
5. What is your favorite workout (The workout that makes you feel as though you are ready to race)?
I feel ready when I have a cornerstone workout, like 8 - 400's at fast times.
6. What are your best times in your events?
3000 - 11:42.01, 1600 - 5:50.07, 1500 - 5:14.33 & 800 - 2:33.33
7. I know you are the DeKalb County Champion in the 800m and 1600m. Tell me about your experience of being the Dekalb Champ and what positives did you take from the meet?
I'm really proud of myself because I just started running track last year in February, and now I'm a County Champion. I really couldn't believe it was me that won those races; it's still shocking to me. The most positive thing I took from the meet was seeing all my hard work pay off. I ran track the entire summer and it helped me accomplish my goal. It also felt great having my family and team cheer me to victory.
8. Who is the most influential person in your life?
My Parents are the most influential people in my life. They really support and motivate me to do my best. Even when I don't think I can do my best, they always encourage me.
9. What do you like to do for fun?
I like hanging with my friends and listening to music.
Interview with Alex Murfee
Alex, you are the 2010 Georgia Middle School XC champion and you also excel tremendously on the track. Which one do you like the most and why?
I like running track more because of the variety of events. You are able to run, jump, and throw.
What events do you run?
I run the 1600m, the 3200m, and I sometimes get to get in the sand and Triple Jump
What are your best times in your events?
My best times are 4:53 in the 1600m and 10:53 in the 3200m.
How did you begin running?
I started running in the 3rd grade when my father put me some road races. I really enjoyed those starting out.
Alex, you were battling a foot injury recently and have been cleared to train again. If you are able to go, what events will you run at the state meet?
I’m not sure yet but I think the 1600m or the 3200m which are my best events. Maybe even both.
Who is the most influential person in your life?
The most influential people in life are my parents. I look up to them and they encourage me daily. I started running 10k’s as a result of their guidance and encouragement.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is spaghetti
Alex, what do you like to do for fun?
I am a Life Scout which I really enjoy. I hang out with friends and compete in triathlons.
Alex is a premier distance runner in the middle school ranks. He attends Woodward Academy and is the 2010 Georgia MS Cross Country Champion.