Troy Pride: 'My mother made me and I stuck to it'

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Greer's Troy Pride talks about the sport and goals.

Name: Troy Pride
Personal bests: 100: 10.54 200: 21.94 400: 48.50
Academic interest: Mathematics and Language Composition
Hobbies: Track and football

How did you get involved in the sport and why?
My mother made me and I stuck to it.

How have you seen it change?
Yes, it has definitely gotten faster and more competitive.

How do you feel you have grown in the sport?
I have matured and became a smarter racer.

What has been your motivation for this season?
A state championship ring.

How do you look at the rankings?
Not very highly because at the end of the day you still have to run.

What goes throughout your mind as the gun is getting ready to go as you are waiting in the blocks or starting line?
Empty thoughts and complete focus.

Do you have a pre race tradition? Please explain.
Not really.

How would you rate your season so far?
8.5, but I want to finish strong.

Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
My brother races for Eastside.

What challenges have you encountered in the sport?
Not training well and running bad times.

Have you ever been injured? Please explain.
At most shin splints.

What do you hope to achieve in the sport and in life in the future?
Continuing to drop my times and hopefully a college scholarship.

Do you have post season track plans?
Football is next.

What is your favorite workout and why?
Broken 500s.

What goals have you set for the rest of the season?
Lowering my 400 and better techniques.

Looking at the 2014 state meet, what do you remember and how did that make you prepare for the 2015 state meet?
My first state meet where I placed eighth has provided for motivation to do better.

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what it would it be and why?
My biggest dream is to be professional at a sport I love doing.

Fun questions
Pre-race pump-up song: Dreams and Nightmares
Go-to karaoke song:Don't stop believing
Favorite book: Kite Runner
Last movie you watched: Coach Carter
Favorite race or event to watch: 4x4
If you could go on a run with any athlete, who would it be?: Usain Bolt