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Full Name: Toma Jerome Walker Date of Birth: Aug. 25, 1987 Academic Interest: English Event PR's: 5K-16:03/1600-4:22/400-49.4/800-1:54.4/1500-4:02/High jump-6'2" Brothers/Sisters: Sister: Chasity. She runs track. (400/800) |
scrunners: When did you start to run?
walker: I started running my 10th grade year.
scrunners: Does or did anyone else in your family run? If so, where and when?
walker: My sister Chasity runs.
scrunners: How would you rate your 2005 cross-country season?
walker: During the cross country season I had some good races and bad ones, but I think I did well.
scrunners: Based on your performances at the 2005 state track and field meet, what are you looking to achieve this season as it progresses?
walker: I want to set a new state record in the 800.
scrunners: How did you feel before, during and after the 800 last season at the state meet?
walker: I was stressed before the race, but I did all right once the race started. I was happy when the race was slow because I knew it was my race to win.
scrunners: Explain how the race unfolded.
walker: The first lap was slow and I knew that the other runners were scared to make a move so I just pushed the last lap.
scrunners: How difficult to see it this year to defend your 800 title?
walker: I think some people will step up but I will keep training hard in the hopes of repeating as State Champion.
scrunners: What other events do you remember from the state meet over your years as a track and field athlete?
walker: I remember when we broke the state record in the 1600-meter relay. It was a rush to see what my teammate did on the last leg of the relay. And me getting seventh at state and coming back and winning the state title in 2005.
scrunners: What event are you focusing on this year?
walker: I am focusing on the 400/800.
scrunners: How has training changed from the conclusion of cross country to track?
walker: It has been alright. It just took me a while to get use to it but I am doing alright.
scrunners: How would you say your training has been going for yourself and your team?
walker: Training has been good. We just have a young team.
scrunners: What kind of other goals are you looking to achieve this season?
walker: Setting a new state record in the 800 and wining state along with going to nationals and placing as high as possible.
scrunners: What are you looking to achieve in life and in other areas after college?
walker: Can't say right now, just what ever happens, happens.
scrunners: Who would you say is your biggest rival in track and field?
walker: I would say the whole Ridgeview mid-distance team.
scrunners: When does this rival become the most intense?
walker: Whenever we are at the same meet.
scrunners: How did this rival develop?
walker: Good Competition and the SCRunners.com forum. Everyone is always talking about them and some of there runners just talk about winning everything this season. I just ignore all the talk about me. They know nothing about me and my training, or my goals.
scrunners: Does Stratford have any team rivals?
walker: Wando.
scrunners: Have you ever been injured? If so, what type of injury occurred and what did you do to recovery?
walker: During my first year of cross country I had a knee injury. I went to physical therapy.
scrunners: How do you maintain focus and motivation during an injury period?
walker: Just didn't think about it.
scrunners: What would you say is the most prestigious event you competed in and how would you say you did?
walker: Nike Nationals for track I did all right. I won my heat, but if I was in the faster heat I would have had a PR.
scrunners: What do you see happening with track and field in South Carolina in the future?
walker: I could not say because we don't produce that many great runners.
scrunners: Have you ever met a professional athlete?
walker: Yes. I met Justin Gatlin at Nike Nationals and Bernard Lagat at the Great American Cross Country Festival.
scrunners: What do you look for in a coach?
walker: Just to help me run well and have a good relationship.
scrunners: What do you expect a coach to look for in your?
walker: I think my coach is looking for me to do the best I can because when I have a bad race he talks to me about my race.
scrunners: Do you have a specific tradition, individually or team before a meet?
walker: I pray before my race and for the people in my race.