Raymond back and ready to run

Jeff Raymond has consistently finished in the top five during his career with the Georgia College & State University Bobcat Men’s Cross Country team, a feat that has helped the team achieve great success.

Raymond is an economics major from Watkinsville, Ga. where he attended Oconee County High School. He became interested in running when he began competing in road races and began running competitively for his high school as a sophomore. He said one of his greatest accomplishments as a runner was helping his high school team finish third in the state team finals, where he finished 20th overall. However, he has plenty of accomplishments on the college track to be proud of as well.

Participating in every meet in the 2000 season, he earned the sixth best 10K time on GC&SU’s record books at the season’s NCAA II South Regional with a time of 37:33. He also came in first place for GC&SU at five meets during his freshman season.

Raymond said his strategy has changed some over the years.

“It’s gotten more refined,” he said. “I know what I’ve got to do to be
successful.”

A rigorous training schedule helps Raymond to stay on top in competition. He runs 40 to 50 miles each week during the season, focusing on quality and “keeping his body up to speed.”

Raymond’s coaches speak very highly of the talent he brings to the track. Bobcats’ Head Coach Dr. Joe Samprone has known Raymond since he was a freshman.

“Jeff is a very fine young man,” Samprone said. “He’s very pleasant, easy to be around and he’s a solid runner.”

Assistant Coach Dr. James Arias said Raymond has definitely helped the team to be successful.

“Jeff is consistently in our top five, so he is always making a contribution. He has had some pain, but he’s still able to do that,” Arias said.

“Jeff has always helped the team by finishing in the top five in every
race,” Samprone said.

Raymond also speaks very highly of his coaches.

“When it comes to Joe, he integrates the part of having fun and working hard,” Raymond said.

In his spare time, Raymond enjoys playing basketball, working on cars and hanging out with his friends. He still manages to run 50 to 60 miles a week in the off-season. He said the part of running he enjoys most is the “competition and staying in shape.” He also said that running can serve as a stress reliever at times.

Raymond finished fourth in last weekend’s Bobcat Invitational, helping the team to earn a second place finish at the meet.

In his fourth season with the team, Raymond said the team has been working great together so far.

“This season is solid,” Raymond said.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 18 2002. 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