How did you progress as an athlete from the first time you ran a track practice to winning both the 100m hurdles and 300m hurdles at the 2001 state meet?
I listened to everything my parents and coaches were telling me and tried to apply everything they were teaching me to each race. My dad and I also reviewed each race. We took the things I did wrong and talked about ways to improve them, then it was my job to incorporate the new and improve techniques into the race.
Though you finished third in the 300m hurdles and fifth in the 100m hurdles at the 6A state meet last year, you had the second-fastest time in 6A for both hurdle races on the season. What can you say about how the state meet went for you last year?
Yeah, the state meet didn't go as I planned, but I know God is in control and everything happens for a reason. When I look back on all of last year, not just the state meet, I learned soooo much, so all and all, I like to look at last year as a growing and learning period.
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Knowing you'd be among the fastest returners in the hurdles for this year (in fact, THE fastest returner), how did you prepare for your junior track season both in the off season and indoor? I prepared for the season by listing out all my goals and what it would take to achieve them. I also took the things I learned from past years of running and tried to apply them to the upcoming season.
Your junior year started off great, blowing away the field in the prelims of the 55m and 55m hurdles at the indoor season opener. After those good races, what were your thoughts about what you'd come back and do in the finals, and also what the rest of the year would be like for you?
The indoor season started off very well, better than I expected. When I thought about coming back into the finals I was pretty confident that if I just ran a good race and kept good form and technique I'd have a chance at winning.
And then, in your own words, what happened next?
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 (photo: Steve Bedsole) |
But when I crossed the finish line of the 55m and felt that sharp pain, I knew that the road of rest and recovery were right around the corner.
How did the rest & recovery period go? How did your leg feel at indoor state, and how has it felt since?
The rest and recovery period was about a month long. My leg didn't feel as good as it did at the beginning of the season, but it was strong enough for me to run on.
Your outdoor season got off to a bit of a shaky start, especially at Leeds. What can you say about how the season started for you and how it seems to be going now?
Yeah, good ol' Leeds. That didn't go like I planned either, but you win some n you lose some. Although I did get off to a shaky start, I think the season is going pretty well and hopefully will just continue to improve.
Have you set any goals for the state meet yet?
Yes, I want to reclaim the 6A state titles in the 100m & 300m hurdles.
In Coach Mary Birdwell you have perhaps the most successful and influential track & field coach ever in Alabama. From your first-hand experience, what do you think has made her such a great coach over the years and how has her presence affected you personally?
Bird, as we like to call her, is tough and stern and gives it to you straight, no sugar coating or nothing. But still manages to be gentle. I think this part of her personality helps me to get past the troubleshooting part of hurdles and on to the problem solving part.
Also, being at Hoover you've had the opportunity to train alongside some great men's hurdlers. What difference has this made in your athletic progression?
I've gotten a lot of constructive criticism from all the male hurdlers. Running alongside the guys has allowed me to pick up some of their running styles and techniques. Also by running with the boys in practice, I'm better prepared for running with the girls in practice.
How well do you identify with the men's side of the Hoover track & field team, especially in their championship seasons? Do you feel a part of their success?
I do feel a part of the boys successes a little, but only because we share the Hoover High name. But mark my words: one of these days the WOMEN OF HOOVER HIGH will be taking home the trophy!
Do you have a special competitive edge for Central-Tuscaloosa, a team Hoover is constantly in contention with and a great source of hurdle rivals?
I just keep myself humble, and remember that just as sure as I can win, I can lose just as easily.
Though you're just a junior, do you have an idea of where you'd like to compete in college yet?
I want to go to the University of Alabama. It's not to far from home and they have a good track program. I don't know as much about the school as I would like to but I plan to find out more this summer.
How did you get started in track? And on the hurdles?
I always knew that I wanted to run, but I wasn't sure about how long the distances were. My p.e. coach finally convinced me by saying, "Erika, the distances couldn't be that long, it's inside." So with that I was at practice the next day. But on the start of my 8th grade the hurdle coach asked, "How would you like to run hurdles?" At first I didn't think he was talking to me because I couldn't see myself running hurdles. So I tried them out and the rest is history!
 (photo: Steve Bedsole) |
Who have been major influences and supporters during your track career? My WHOLE family, my boyfriend, all my friends, teammates and coaches. What race or moment would say has been the highlight of your running so far? Probably being the 6A 55m, 100m, & 300m, state champion as a freshman. |
If you could right a dream script for May 2, 2003, how would it go?
Things To DO
1) Pray
2) Run The 100m Hurdles- Win!
3) Give Thanks To God-no matter the outcome
4) Pray
5) Run The 300m Hurdles-Win!
6) Give Thanks To God-no matter the outcome
Any final thoughts?
I just want to say thank you for the interview, and a special thanks to my family, my boyfriend, my friends, my teammates and coaches for supporting and believing in me throughout the years, Luv Y'all!!!
Thanks, Erika! Best wishes on the rest of your season!
Thank you.