Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Prerace Jitters

Sub 10 Second Tuesday - Florida State’s Maurice Mitchell

Posted: 17 May 2011 01:31 PM PDT

Over the years, the Florida State men’s track and field program has had its fair share of great sprinters.

Today, Junior Maurice Mitchell’s rise is directly related to the Florida State men capturing their seventh consecutive ACC outdoor title on April 23.

Walter Dix was once the star of the program during the Seminole’s championship run from 2006 to 2008 but today there’s a new face to the program.

Texas A&M men are coming off winning the last two NCAA team championships. However, this season looks to be different as the Seminoles are ranked number four in the the latest USTFCCCA national team poll and poised to make a run for the title.

Fast forward to 2011.

Mitchell is now the two-time ACC champion in the 200 meters, running a career best time of 20.19 a month weeks ago. He also produced a runner up finish in the 100 meters, with another career best time of 10.03.

PreRaceJitters caught up with the FSU junior for the second installment of Sub 10 Second Tuesday.

PreRaceJitters: You’ve run some fast times this season, 10.03 in the 100 meters
and 20.19 over 200 meters. Both times are personal bests and rank third and
second, respectively, in the NCAA this season. How do you feel about your
progress this season?

Maurice Mitchell: I am very happy with how things are progressing. The main
thing that I am happy about is that I am healthy and fit to get nothing but better
everyday. I'm way further along than I was last year, so I'm looking forward to
regionals and nationals.

PreRaceJitters: The ACC conference is one of the most competitive conferences
in the NCAA. How does it feel to repeat as an ACC Champion at 200-meters?

Maurice Mitchell: It's a true blessing to go out there and compete with the best
guys in the conference. To repeat the 200 at ACC's was an amazing feeling, and
I thank the Lord for allowing me to represent him and glorifying his name when I
compete on the highest level.

PreRaceJitters: Florida State men captured their seventh consecutive ACC
outdoor title in April. What is it like being part of a winning tradition?

Maurice Mitchell: It's a great feeling to be part of such a prestige school like
Florida State. They are all about winning and I'm glad I can be able to be part of
a great school with great coaches and athletes. I couldn't ask for a better team
to be on.

PreRaceJitters: Florida State men won national titles in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Texas A&M have won the last two championships. What will it take to bring back
the crown to Tallahassee?

Maurice Mitchell: It's going to take determination and the team to come together
and step up to the plate. We have a lot of talent and if we all come to nationals
and compete to our best ability, there is possibility we can bring home a national
championship.

PreRaceJitters: You’re coach by Ken Harden, one of the most highly regarded
sprint/hurdle coaches in college track, having coached Jonathan Borlee, Ricardo
Chambers, Charles Clark and Walter Dix to national titles in their individual
events. What is he like as a coach?

Maurice Mitchell: Coach Ken not only cares about himself and winning
championships but he cares about us as individuals. All he wants is the best for
us and I couldn't ask for any better coach. He gets us ready to compete at the
big meets and I'm happy he knows his stuff.

PreRaceJitters: Some people may think your training sessions are like track
meets, just based off who you’re training with. Your training partners are:
Charles Clark (20.0) Brandon O’Conner (45.89), Ngonidzashe Makusha (9.97),
Kemar Hyman (10.27), David Ambler (10.37) and Brandon Byram (20.4). What is
it like training with these guys everyday?

Maurice Mitchell: It’s just overall great. To have the top guys in the country on
your team is a plus. I'm glad to have great guys around me to get me to that
next level. I couldn't ask for a better group of guys to train with. We do nothing
but get each other better.

PreRaceJitters: Can you describe a typical training session at FSU this time of
year?

Maurice Mitchell: During this time of year, we pick up the intensity. Because
regional and nationals are right around the corner, we are now beginning to pick
up our tempo in our practice sessions. Coach Ken is getting us ready to run fast
when it counts.

PreRaceJitters: What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

Maurice Mitchell: My goal for the rest of the season is to obviously continue to
get faster and better as we get close to the end of the season and stay healthy.
I've come to realize I can't run fast if I'm not healthy. If I can stay healthy I'm
sure ill be able to beat my 10.03 and 20.19.

PreRaceJitters: When you’re away from the track, what are some of things you
enjoy doing?

Maurice Mitchell: I just enjoy relaxing and watching tv, watching moves,
spending time with my fiancé and teammates on occasions. I just do whatever to
keep my mind off of track most of the time.

PreRaceJitters: Do you get pre-race jitters? If so, how do you overcome them?

Maurice Mitchell: I definitely get jitters, but for me I just pray and ask God to
keep me calm, and it works for me. I mean I get nervous but God does help me
get through my nervousness and also listening to music before my competition.

PreRaceJitters: Thank you for your time and best wishes on the season.

David Pickett is a Contributing Editor at PreRaceJitters.com, writing about the exploits of collegiate and elite track and field.

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