An interview with YSU track anf field standout Aaliyah Gillespie
Nijma Awadallah
Issue date: 2/10/05 Section: Sports and Recreation
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As part of the 2003-04 Horizon League indoor/outdoor champions, Senior Aaliyah Gillespie has been a motivating asset to the team. Aaliyah, the Arabic word meaning "highest" suits her well as she continues to shatter records, including her current record time with 8.71 in the 60 m hurdles. She said she dreams to start a fitness facility to help kids share the importance of sports, which she feels has allowed her to be able to enjoy the success she is enjoying today.
Recently a Jambar reporter sat down with Aaliyah as she spoke of her experience with the Penguins.
J: Where are you from?
G: I am from Cleveland, Ohio
J: Who would you say was the biggest influence in your life?
G: The biggest influence would probably be my mom.
J: Why would you say she was the biggest influence?
G: Because even in high school she always buckled down on me. She wanted to make sure that track wasn't everything in my life and make sure that I was well rounded and she kept me in focus, school everything, made sure everything was a focal point and not just track.
J. When did you start running track?
G: Seventh grade I ran track, then eighth grade we had volleyball, basketball and track and I played all three, but the best was track no matter what. I enjoyed it the most. When I was little I could beat my brother I was like, "whoa I got it, I guess I could be some kind of good!"
J: This is your last year, how's it feel being a senior?
G: It's kind of nervous a little bit, but it's kind of good too because this is the highlight of my career and I want to be the best. Everything built up to this, when I was in high school my coach said that I was going to have a great collegiate career. So now I am seeing what it's all about.
J: Could you talk about your experience with the Penguins?
G: Over all it's been good, I had a little injury here and there, but everybody helped through everything, whenever I needed anything they gave it to me or helped me work to get it. My teammates are the greatest, it's like a big family and that's all about running track.
Recently a Jambar reporter sat down with Aaliyah as she spoke of her experience with the Penguins.
J: Where are you from?
G: I am from Cleveland, Ohio
J: Who would you say was the biggest influence in your life?
G: The biggest influence would probably be my mom.
J: Why would you say she was the biggest influence?
G: Because even in high school she always buckled down on me. She wanted to make sure that track wasn't everything in my life and make sure that I was well rounded and she kept me in focus, school everything, made sure everything was a focal point and not just track.
J. When did you start running track?
G: Seventh grade I ran track, then eighth grade we had volleyball, basketball and track and I played all three, but the best was track no matter what. I enjoyed it the most. When I was little I could beat my brother I was like, "whoa I got it, I guess I could be some kind of good!"
J: This is your last year, how's it feel being a senior?
G: It's kind of nervous a little bit, but it's kind of good too because this is the highlight of my career and I want to be the best. Everything built up to this, when I was in high school my coach said that I was going to have a great collegiate career. So now I am seeing what it's all about.
J: Could you talk about your experience with the Penguins?
G: Over all it's been good, I had a little injury here and there, but everybody helped through everything, whenever I needed anything they gave it to me or helped me work to get it. My teammates are the greatest, it's like a big family and that's all about running track.