Radford ready to run

Amila Radford
Major: Psychology
High School: Lithonia High School
Lady Bobcat Runner

Jamila Radford is a runner who truly runs for pure enjoyment. Last year’s cross country season was not only her first season running for the Georgia College & State University Women’s cross country team but the first time Radford was ever a part of any cross country team.

She first got interested in running about five years ago while she was a student at Lithonia High School.

“I started running because it is such a great way to get into shape, and I really enjoy doing it,” said Radford.

Now a senior at the age of 21, Radford is entering her second season as a Lady Bobcat runner with high hopes for the season.

Radford enjoys running with her team, because while everyone is trying to improve her own goals, the team is really encouraging at times for anyone who needs some motivation. This is one of the things Radford likes so much about this team.

Even though Radford had an excellent season last year, during which she was the top finisher four times, which included the best 5k time of 22:00, at the Presbyterian Invitational. This run was the fourth fastest in school history. Radford feels both the team and she will be a lot more competitive this season than in recent seasons.

Radford mentioned that as a senior she has a responsibility to help lead the team. She has set goals for both herself and the team this season.

“My personal goal is breaking my own best time in the course,” said Radford. “My goals for the team include moving up in rankings, improving on the already solid team unity, and establishing a winning reputation for the school to build on.”

Radford also speaks very highly of her coach, Joe Samprone.

“He is a great guy who goes out of the way for his runners, and he requires a lot out of us,” said Radford. “At the same time, he is really easy to work under. He pushes the team without using intimidation.”

Radford is also very busy when she is not running. She serves as the current vice president for United in Christ, a religious organization on campus. She prays before each race that the team would stay safe and avoid injury while doing their best.

With high expectations and the ongoing hard work of the team, this year looks very promising for Radford and the rest of the Lady Bobcat runners.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 7 2001. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry