Black, Sparks lead cross country teams
Ryan Schomber
Issue date: 8/31/01 Section: Sports
J.R. Black
Major: Chemistry
High School: Oconee County High School
Bobcat runner
J.R. Black is only twenty years old, but then again at twenty most people don't break records for cross country every year.
After leaving Oconee High with a State Championship in cross country and being a regional champ in the pole vault, Black also showed his ability in the classroom by being the president of the science club.
Since coming to Georgia College & State University, Black has broken six of the top ten records, which include the top four dual records here. He set the school record with a time of 27:42 at the 2000 Presbyterian Invitational. After which Black came to the 2000 NCAA II South Regional and broke yet another school record for the 10k event with a time of 35:25. Overall, in Black's sixteen tournaments, he has been the fastest Bobcat in fifteen of those events.
But more importantly Black emphasized how the team needs to stay together.
"To me the top five men runners are the best ever at GC&SU, and also with a good freshmen class coming in, there should be a
lot of exciting things for our fans to look for
ward to this season. I'm excited just thinking about it," said Black.
With this new team being younger and faster than last year's team, Black insisted on how important it is for everyone to stay healthy.
Black added, "I really want to continue to help the team. If I continue to finish in the top five and the intensity level is there, then the team will run better and we will be better off in the conference standings."
Also, Black wanted to thank Paul Higgs, who is the head trainer for the team, along with all the other members of Higgs' training staff. Without them, the team would be a lot less fit and would not always be ready to run at top physical condition.
With Black speeding into the top of the GC&SU records books, many can assume another really solid season is lined up for him. Whether or not Black is the best runner at GC&SU ever, one thing is certain, look out for him this season before you get burnt.
Major: Chemistry
High School: Oconee County High School
Bobcat runner
J.R. Black is only twenty years old, but then again at twenty most people don't break records for cross country every year.
After leaving Oconee High with a State Championship in cross country and being a regional champ in the pole vault, Black also showed his ability in the classroom by being the president of the science club.
Since coming to Georgia College & State University, Black has broken six of the top ten records, which include the top four dual records here. He set the school record with a time of 27:42 at the 2000 Presbyterian Invitational. After which Black came to the 2000 NCAA II South Regional and broke yet another school record for the 10k event with a time of 35:25. Overall, in Black's sixteen tournaments, he has been the fastest Bobcat in fifteen of those events.
But more importantly Black emphasized how the team needs to stay together.
"To me the top five men runners are the best ever at GC&SU, and also with a good freshmen class coming in, there should be a
lot of exciting things for our fans to look for
ward to this season. I'm excited just thinking about it," said Black.
With this new team being younger and faster than last year's team, Black insisted on how important it is for everyone to stay healthy.
Black added, "I really want to continue to help the team. If I continue to finish in the top five and the intensity level is there, then the team will run better and we will be better off in the conference standings."
Also, Black wanted to thank Paul Higgs, who is the head trainer for the team, along with all the other members of Higgs' training staff. Without them, the team would be a lot less fit and would not always be ready to run at top physical condition.
With Black speeding into the top of the GC&SU records books, many can assume another really solid season is lined up for him. Whether or not Black is the best runner at GC&SU ever, one thing is certain, look out for him this season before you get burnt.
