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Full Name: Gilbert Edward Parker, III Date of Birth: Sept. 5, 1990 Brothers/Sisters: Erin, Catherine, and John Thomas Personal Bests: Cross Country: 16:35 Track: 2 mile-10:17, 1 mile-4:54 Hobbies: Running, fishing, boating, hunting Academic interest: French and History |
scrunners: When did you start to compete in track and field?
parker: I started in the sixth grade.
scrunners: Does or did any of your family members compete in the sport?
parker: None of my family members did or do.
scrunners: Did you play any other sports?
parker: I played football, tennis, baseball, basketball.
scrunners: Based on the goals for this season, did you achieve those?
parker: Almost. My goal was to break the school record but I came up a few seconds short.
scrunners: Did you have to make changes during the season?
parker: Well, I had to back off of my training (not as many intervals at a time), but overall I didnt have to change very much.
scrunners: What kind of team goals did Wilson Hall have?
parker: Win the state title!
scrunners: How did this goal setting go?
parker: We were very close and did everything that we could (do), but we came up just a little bit short.
scrunners: What kind of training did you do to prepare for the season?
parker: I jogged a few times a week.
scrunners: How does your training progress throughout the season?
parker: Well, we just increased my workout\'s intensity as the season went on.
scrunners: How has been a SCISA member made it more challenging as an athlete?
parker: Well, there isn\'t as much competition as in public schools, but the margin for victory is smaller (in my opinion).
scrunners: What would you say is the most prestigious meet you have competed in and how did you do?
parker: The Footlocker South meet and I finished 16th this year.
scrunners: What do you look for in a coach and what do you expect a coach to look for in you?
parker: I look for extreme dedication in both places. My coach, Sammy Way is definately dedicated .
scrunners: Are you looking to compete in track and field in college?
parker: Yes!!!
scrunners: If so, why and have you chosen a school at this time?
parker: I have a passsion for running and I don\'t really know (where), but I like Clemson, Wofford, and Virginia.
scrunners: Have you ever thought about coaching track and field?
parker: A little bit.
scrunners: If so, what level and why do you want to coach?
parker: Well, I would want to coach at the high school level.
scrunners: Who has been your biggest individual rival and team rival at Wilson Hall?
parker: There are two that come to mind: Brendan Kight and Daniel Beale.
scrunners: Who has helped guide you as a distance runner?
parker: Coach Way and Tom O\'hare.
scrunners: With a runner such as Graham Tribble making a huge impact in South Carolina running, how often have you talked with him and where do you see yourself going with running?
parker: I really enjoy talking with Graham, when I get the chance. He is definately an inspiration to me. I see myself competing at the college level and maybe the Olympics.
scrunners: What do you see happening with track and field in South Carolina in the future?
parker: I know improvement can be made and it will be made.
scrunners: Have you ever been injured?
parker: I have had a knee problem this year, but it wasnt season ending.
scrunners: What keeps you motivated to get out the door on a daily basis, for life and practice, along with other challenges?
parker: Jesus Christ, my hero.
scrunners: If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
parker: Go throughout the world to spread Christianity to those who are willing to listen to me. I respect the freedom of religion so I will not force anything on people.