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| Stephanie Gammon runs for Daniel High School. The Lion will look to make top three at the 2003 South Carolina State Championship on Saturday. |
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Full Name Stephanie Marie Gammon Academic Interest Science and Geography Date of Birth May 1, 1989 Hobbies Singing and Hiking |
gammon: No, I expected a runner from a bigger school to win. However, after the one mile mark, I realized first was a good possibility.
scrunners: How many years have you run the Clemson meet?
gammon: This was my second year of running the meet.
scrunners: What kind of tactic did you take into the race?
gammon: Try to do my best and win.
scrunners: When did you start to run?
gammon: I started running two years ago when I was in the seventh grade.
scrunners: What kind of training did you do this summer?
gammon: I did alot of distance running and some speed work.
scrunners: How many years have you run cross-country and track?
gammon: I have run both cross-country and track for two seasons.
scrunners: What made you decide to run cross-country and track?
gammon: Our track coach, Coach Sullivan, begged me to come out for track after our gym teacher, Mr. Alexander, told him I was beating all the boys in the mile run in Physical Education.
scrunners: What other sports do or did you play before committing to running?
gammon: I did gymnastics.
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Personal Bests 800 - 2:32, 1600 - 5:32, 3200 - 12:24, 5k - 19:14 |
gammon: My dad runs for fun and has been running for 15 years.
scrunners: What kind of goals are you setting for the rest of the season and the future?
gammon: I would like to continue to improve and eventually win a state title in track and cross country.
scrunners: After finishing 10th overall at the 2003 Eye Opener meet what were you thinking about the rest of your season?
gammon: I had a long way to go and needed to improve. Also, our team did really well and it made me feel good about our chances at the state meet.
scrunners: After placing 13th at the Coaches Classic at Fort Jackson what were you thinking about the rest of the season?
gammon: That I had a great chance to be better than last year.
scrunners: How many state championships have you competed in for track and cross-country?
gammon: At the 2003 state track meet, I competed in the 4x800, 1600 and 3200. In addition to track, I competed in the 2002 cross-country state meet.
scrunners: What kind of race tactic works best for you in cross-country?
gammon: To have fun and try to catch the person in front of me.
scrunners: After finishing fifth at the 2002 cross-country state meet, what are you looking to achieve this year and how did the 2002 event unfold for you?
gammon: I hope to finish in the top three this weekend.
scrunners: What is your favorite track event?
gammon: The 1600. Because it was the first event I ever competed in as a seventh grader.
scrunners: For you, do you prefer Sandhills or Fort Jackson for Coaches Classic and the state meet? Why?
gammon: Fort Jackson because it is a fast course and spectator friendly.
scrunners: What do you look for in a coach?
gammon: Someone that motivates me, challenges me to do better and believes in me.
scrunners: What do you expect for a coach to look for in you?
gammon: Someone who will give 100% to become the best she can be.
scrunners: What kind of cross training do you incorporate into your running?
gammon: I did some pool work outs and bike riding.
scrunners: What kind of pre race tradition do you have from the week off to the warmup and cooldown? Does your team have a tradition?
gammon: Our team goes on a warmup run together, does yoga stretches and talks about the race in a positive manner. We also have a pre-race prayer. After the race, we cooldown together and then go cheer on our teammates during their races.
scrunners: When running with Daniel alumna Kate Prichard what did you talk to her about and how did she help you prepare for the future of the sport?
gammon: Kate the "GREAT" is an awesome runner and person. She was a great leader for our team. We would talk about how running needed to have elements of fun. Yes, it is hard work. But if it is not fun, you can loose your love for running and drive to improve. We also talked about God and life issues.
scrunners: Have you ever thought about running in college?
gammon: Yes, I would like to run in college.
scrunners: Have you ever thought about coaching cross-country or track? If so or not, why, and what level?
gammon: Yes, I would like to coach at the high school level. I want to share my love for running with other people and encourage them to become better runners.
scrunners: What is your favorite pre race food and movie?
gammon: Chicken Alfredo and Men of Honor.
scrunners: Who is your biggest individual rival and team rival?
When does this rival become most intense and how did this rival develop?
gammon: I guess Sunday Ford is my biggest competitor. Greer would be the team rival because they won state last year.
scrunners: Who do you admire the most and why?
gammon: My dad. He cheers me on and encourages me to do better no matter what.
scrunners: Have you ever competed at Footlocker Regionals at Charlotte? How have you done there and would you like to make it to Nationals?
gammon: No, I have never competed in any of these races. However, I would like to some day.
scrunners: What keeps you motivated to get out the door everday?
gammon: My desire and drive to improve.
scrunners: When discouraged what do you do to get back on the right track?
gammon: I think of all the positive acheivements I have had with running and talk with my teammates. You cannot live in the past. You must live in the present and hope for the best in the future.
scrunners: Have you been injured? What happened and how did you help the injury heal?
gammon: I have had some minor knee pain. However, since wearing cho-pats the irritation has gone away.
scrunners: What kind of surface do you prefer to train on?
gammon: Trails. The runs are more interesting and less stressful on my body.
scrunners: What is your favorite meet in all of South Carolina? Why?
gammon: Connie Maxwell. I like the feel of the course. It is like a maze. Plus, I have won there the last two years.
scrunners: What do you see happening with South Carolina running in the future?
gammon: I think the times are getting faster and the future is bright.