Berea sprinter Kennedy Dennis talks with scrunners about her start in the sport and goals for the future.
Kennedy Dennis
Personal bests:
60: 7.55
100: 11.73
200: 24.4
400: 56.04
Hobbies: I enjoy shopping, writing poetry, and running
Academic interest: I admire every aspect about English.
How did you get involved in the sport?
I was at my summer camp one year and I was racing on the sidewalk with the other kids. One of the chaperones was watching us and suggested that I join the Quick Strider Track Club.
How do you handle having the top returning 100 time in the state?
I remind myself the determination and patience that I achieved while trying to reach my goal and maintain my humbleness because that's what got me where I am now.
How was this fall?
The fall has treated me very well. I've gotten a lot of training from my indoor track team and a good bit of conditioning from Berea's track team.
How do you train in the fall?
In the fall we do weightlifting and I run throughout my neighborhood.
What do you remember the most from last season?
The most memorable moment from last season was the world youth trials. The trials taught me a lot from the competition. It gave me an idea of where I am as a track athlete and reminded me that I still have improvement to do. The most important aspect that the trials taught was to relax and breathe before and during a race.
What do you hope to achieve this season?
What I really hope to achieve this season is breaking the state record, bring my 200 meter time down to a 23, and hopefully run a 55.9 in the 400 meter.
Do you have a specific reason to achieve a goal or goals this season?
If I achieve my goal of breaking the state record I will personally be able to meet the woman that held the record. I would be honored because she also ran on the same summer track team as me. More college scouts would also be curious about me so I'm excited about this season and all the good it will bring.
What have you learned from the sport?
The two essential qualities that I've adopted is patience and humbleness.
What future plans would you like to do with the sport?
I would like to hopefully turn pro and make the Olympic team in 2020.
What's it like at the starting line as you getting in the set position?
I get a little nervous but then i say the Lord's Prayer. I become very confident in myself.
What race strategy works best for you?
When I'm getting out of my blocks I make sure I do my drive phase and when I'm transforming into my turnover I make sure I lift my arms and my legs.
Do you have a pre and post race tradition?
Before every race I pray the Lord's Prayer and after my races I do a cool down and stretch.
Have you ever been injured? How did you handle it?
No, thankfully I've never been injured.
What has been your biggest challenge in life and the sport?
Mastering the 400.
How do you balance academics and athletics?
Academics always come before track. If I'm struggling with a subject I make sure that track doesn't interfere with my academics.
What roles do you have on the team this year?
I want to help motivate my track team mates and make sure they know that our track team is a family and they can come to me whenever they need to.
What does it mean to be part of the Berea team?
It is honestly an honor especially with the coaches that I have. It's a blessing to know that they truly want the absolute best out of me.
Do you remember your first race? Please explain.
No.
What do you remember the most from being a runner?
The anxiety that the 400 meter gives you when you're getting into your blocks.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
To go to the Olympics. I feel like that is the experience that will be totally different from all that I've experienced in track and field.
Favorite runner(s): Carmelita Jeter, Allyson Felix, Shelly Ann Frayser-Pryce
Favorite food: My favorite food is pork chops.
Favorite quote: When I run my desire is not to win. My desire is that no matter the outcome of my race, that I glorify God with the talent he has blessed me with. I pray that my integrity and character are always a representation of my savior.
Favorite training shoe and racing shoe: Nike
Inspirational person in your life: My coach Richard Kerns
