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NTN Profile: Columbia Girls TCPublished by
Columbia TC (NJ) Top Athletes: Brittney Jackson (distances & jumps), Jasmine Carter (sprints), Amber Ballew (jumpers), Kayann Richards (hurdles), Chinyere Ozuzu (throws), Ty-Vonna Johnson (sprints) and Adebunmi Gbadebo (distances). Team Strengths: Distance and jumps standout Brittney Jackson, sprinter Jasmine Carter and hurdler Kayann Richards are considered the big three of this squad. Vying for the national title, Columbia is a battle-tested team that seems poised to have a breakout meet. With a well-rounded group of athletes, this team will be under looked heading into Friday’s competition, but don’t be surprised if they are hoisting the national title at the end of the day. Key to Success: Richards and long jumper Amber Ballew are the two keys of success for Columbia. Richards has a great shot to distinguish herself as the top 100m hurdler in the event, which would give her team a big boost. In addition, Ballew ranks very well in the long jump, and with a couple more inches to her PR, that could clinch Columbia a top two finish. Q&A with Coach Lisa Morgan NTN: You are headed into Nike Track Nationals ranked US#3, sitting about 400 points behind US#1 Long Beach Poly TC and US#2 Chandler TC. How do you feel your squad can make up those 400 points and capture the national title? Lisa Morgan (LM): This meet is about performance. If all of my athletes perform to the best of their ability, I believe that we will be successful. NTN: You've had a tremendous season, scoring some big wins and performing well against the very best on the east coast. What have you been having your athletes do in order to be best prepared for July 2? LM: Indeed we have had a tremendous year and it has been a long season for us, so I am hoping that everything that I have poured into my athletes this year will sustain them for competition on July 2nd. NTN: Brittney Jackson seems to be one of your team leaders on the track, and has extreme versatility (she's competing in the 800m and high jump events). What does Brittney add to this team outside of simply her track and field performances? LM: Brittney is definitely a team leader. She has a wonderful personality and the heart of a champion. These attributes naturally resonate on and off the track and it helps to keep my team focused and motivated. She helps to build their confidence and inspires excellence amongst all of our team members. NTN: What does it mean for you and your squad to compete in the inaugural Nike Track Nationals? LM: It is an AMAZING opportunity! Considering the fact that 5 of the 7 athletes I have competing are graduating seniors. It is a wonderful way for us to have our "last hurrah" in 2010 as a team. It is challenging and also rewarding to be able to end the year by competing against some of the top athletes in the nation in such a prestigious event, and cap off the many successes we accomplished this year!
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