PSU’s Geronne Black will compete in the prelims of the 60 meters on Friday at 5:20 p.m. MST. She is currently ranked first in the event going into the championships. The finals of the 60 meters will be on Saturday at 2:25 p.m. The junior will also be competing in the 200 meters.
Q&A With PSU’s Geronne Black
Portland State’s Geronne Black, from New York, N.Y., talked with the Big Sky Conference before the 2012 Indoor Track and Field Championships Friday and Saturday in Flagstaff, Ariz. Black talked about her goals for the indoor championships, ranking first in the 60 meters, and breaking her own Big Sky record in the 60 meters.
Black will compete in the prelims of the 60 meters on Friday at 5:20 p.m. MST. She is currently ranked first in the event going into the championships. The finals of the 60 meters will be on Saturday at 2:25 p.m. The junior will also be competing in the 200 meters.
Black holds the Big Sky all-time record in the 60 meters with a time of 7.41. She broke her own record of 7.43 set in 2011 at the indoor championship. That time is the championship record.
Q: How did you get started in track and field?
A: I really can’t remember when I started actually. I know I was about 6 or 7 years old when I started racing every boy on my block, never for more than 30 or 40 meters.
Q: When being recruited, what made you choose Portland State?
A: I chose Portland State because it was different from the environment I had already been exposed to, attending high school in Brooklyn, N.Y. I wanted a change in scenery and environment, and also I knew that Portland State track and field program was on the rise and I wanted to be a part of it. I chose Portland State because I knew I would be given an opportunity to mature and blossom as an athlete.
Q: What have been some of your favorite memories at Portland State?
A: Some of my favorite memories at Portland State would have to be road trips, although traveling and competing can be stressful, the downtime I get to spend with my teammates and coaches is always fun. I also enjoy attending Portland State’s home games whether it is volleyball, football or basketball. I love watching other student- athletes compete in the sport they love.
Q: How much have your coaches helped you?
A: I truly admire my Coach Ronnye Harrison and, without a doubt, I think my coach is one of if not the best coach in our conference. I could not have gotten this far in my track career without him. Believe it or not my coach helped me to become a better person, which resulted in my becoming a great athlete. I believe that is what set my coach apart from many other coaches; he really cares about the individual not just developing the best athletes he possibly can, but the best-rounded individuals as well. He is the best coach ever.
Q: What are your goals for the indoor championship?
A: My goals for indoor championships are always the same; to support my team to the best of my ability by performing at my best in both the 60m and 200m dash, I have hopes of breaking my current record in the 60m dash to get closer to my ultimate goal, which is qualifying for Nationals.
Q: You rank first in the 60 meters, what do you think about your competition this year?
A: I think it would be great to be a part of both prelims and finals. I never count out any of my competitors so I’m just ready and excited to compete against the best in Big Sky Conference.
Q: You broke your own Big Sky record in the 60 meters. How did it feel to break the record and when did you know you broke the record?
A: It was a great accomplishment for me and my track career at Portland State. I take pride in my school, Portland State University, on and off the track and I knew breaking the record would only do great things in the future for Portland State’s track program. I knew after my race when my coach came walking over to me, smiling and he informed me that I broke the conference record.
Q: I see you hold the 55-meter dash record at Paul Robeson High School. Does that record still stand?
A: Yes, I do, and I spoke to my high school track coach Horace Sutherland this morning and he was proud to announce that I still held the record in the 55 meter dash at Paul Robeson High School.
Q: You were honored with Big Sky Conference Track Athlete of the Week this season. How did it feel to be honored?
A: I was especially pleased to be honored the Big Sky Athlete of the Week because I knew my hard work was being recognized by the other coaches and athletes in my conference.
Q: If you had to give advice to a freshman competing in the Big Sky Championships what advice would you give?
A: Be fearless because if you made it to Big Sky Conference, you deserve to be there. It’s Go Time. I won my first title as a freshman and I was completely fearless. I just knew I wanted to win.
Q: Tell us something we wouldn’t know about you?
A: I get extremely shy when I am up on the podium or have to do interviews or presentations in front of a crowd.
Q: If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be and why?
A: My grandfather who is decreased, my father, and my coach simply because these three men have helped shape me into the individual that I am today.