Seneca senior track and field athlete LaKya Brookins announced her college committment to the University of South Carolina. Brookins finished first in the Class AAA 100-meter (11.94) and 200-meter dash (24.12) events at the 2006 state championship.
Brookins talks about her choice below.
"I decided on USC for many reasons that really fit me," said Brookins.
1. USC is no. 3 in the nation.
2. USC has a great team and a genius coach (Curtis Frye). I have seen how he takes high school athletes and makes them faster. I wanted to be coached by him.
3. It is away from home, but not too far.
4. USC has put out great track and field athletes that has competed in the Olympics and turned professional. 5. During the recruiting process with Coach Frye, I felt extremely comfortable. At home and me being the only child, it was important that my parents felt comfortable too.
6. How can you turn down running with Amberly Nesbitt (J.L. Mann), a hometown girl? I wasn't living here when she was in high school, but I have heard sooo much about her. I have been told I have an 100-meter start like hers. I have followed her college career. I feel I can learn so much from her and Shalonda Solomon and I think I can contribute to the team.
7. Also, when Coach Frye said he was going to be at my meets, he was a man of his word.
8. I wanted to commit early because I wanted to get on with my senior year. I still have to concentrate on school and the next track season, so it was important to find a home for next year. I had no intentions on committing early or late, just when I felt it was right.
9. Other schools recruiting me include: Auburn who is no. 1 in the nation, Arkansas, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Louisville, Florida State University, George Mason, University of Nebraska, University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Clemson University. (My dad is an assistant basketball coach at Clemson.)
Note: Early signing period for cross country and track and field athletes, according to Nationalletter.org, is Nov. 8-Nov. 15. Late signing period starts April 11, 2007 and ends Aug. 1. Send South Carolina high school cross country and track and field signings to john@scrunners.com with name, high school, college choice, credentials and area of focus in the sport(s).
