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Our series detailing where our Louisiana runners, jumpers, and throwers will be heading next year for the graduating class of 2014. Get a little insight into where they will be competing and what went into their decision to compete at the next level fort their respective choices. Not only will it be an interesting article for our Louisjana Running Milesplit viewers to read, but this series will also alert us and enable us to track you in the future for our series "Louisiana Alumni's Report". Class of 2014 please consider participating!</p>
LR: Mikiah, what made you choose LSU?
Mikiah: What made me choose LSU? LSU was the first school I talked to to kick off the whole recruiting process, and they set the bar high for other schools to compete with. I love the coaching staff at LSU and I feel really comfortable around them. This staff has trained Olympic athletes, and coached many elite athletes which I aspire to be. The academics side of LSU is also great. I attend a high school that especially prepares us for college level education, so I feel that I will fit perfectly on the academic and athletic sides of LSU!
LR: How did you get into running?
Mikiah: I got into running after running around the playgrounds in elementary school and racing the boys and sometimes beating them. I told my dad about how fast I was, and he didn't believe me until he entered me in a summer track meet in the summer of 2007. Since then, I've continued to run and get better.
LR: What kind of subject academically interests you, and do you have any idea on what you may be majoring in?
Mikiah: My favorite subject in school is Algebra. I learn algebra fast and enjoy numbers. As of now, I'm undecided about a major.
LR: If you could describe your love for running in one word, what would it be?
Mikiah: If I could describe my love for running in one word, it would be "ambivalence". There are some days when I look forward to going to practice and putting in a lot of hard work, then there are days when I'm just not feeling it. The worst days are usually Monday's and everyday during the conditioning process! I'm a sprinter/hurdler, so I don't enjoy the long runs and cardio workouts!
LR: Every runner seems to have some pre-race rituals. Other than specific meals and your warmup routine, is there anything you do leading up to race day to help you relax?
Mikiah: In the days leading up to race days, I schedule hair appointments, nail appointments, and make sure my athletic gear is clean for race day! I started to take pride in how I looked at track meets after competing in Ukraine and being interviewed immediately after races. I feel that if you look good, you run well!
LR: If we asked them, how do you think your friends and/or teammates would describe you?
Mikiah: I hope my teammates would describe me as an ambitious and hardworking leader. I strive to motivate each one of teammates daily whether it's with school, track, or any other activity they participate in.
LR: You’re moving on in your track career. What are some of your goals as you go to the next level?
Mikiah:As I move on with my track career, I aspire to continue to get better gradually to reach my ultimate goal of becoming an Olympic athlete.
LR: How does it feel to know that you, as of right now, have the fastest 60m dash in the nation?
Mkiah: The feeling of having the fastest 60m dash in the nation is unbelievable! I can only thank God for pushing that time out of me. It shows that hard work pays off.
LR: How did you achieve such an amazing accomplishment?
Mikiah: As I've stated before, this accomplishment would not have been possible without the faith I have in God ultimately, but also, I have parents that make sure I'm at practice daily and a very supportive family. I have a coach that knows and understands the goals I have for myself, and he is doing all he can to help me reach those goals. I have a church family that continue to support me and motivate me to reach the next level of track and field, and I also have the best teammates that work with me daily to help me get better!
LR: Besides the 60m dash, what other events do you run?
Mikiah: Besides the 60m dash, I run the 60m hurdles, long jump, and 4x200 indoors. Outdoors, I run the 100m and 200m dashes, 100m hurdles, and the 4x100.
LR: What is your favorite genre of music and who are some of your favorite artists?
Mikiah: I enjoy listening to all types of music, but my favorite would have to be R&B. Some of my favorite artists are Musiq Soulchild, Jasmine Sullivan, Jennifer Hudson, and Mary Mary.
LR: You ran such a fast time for the indoor season. What are your goals as you move onto your senior outdoor season?
Mikiah: As I move onto outdoor season, I hope to remain healthy and run times that are among the nations best!
LR: Thanks Mikiah!
LR: Mikiah, what made you choose LSU?
Mikiah: What made me choose LSU? LSU was the first school I talked to to kick off the whole recruiting process, and they set the bar high for other schools to compete with. I love the coaching staff at LSU and I feel really comfortable around them. This staff has trained Olympic athletes, and coached many elite athletes which I aspire to be. The academics side of LSU is also great. I attend a high school that especially prepares us for college level education, so I feel that I will fit perfectly on the academic and athletic sides of LSU!
LR: How did you get into running?
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Are you running/jumping/throwing in college? Have we not added you to our series "Class of 2014:Where are you going?" Drop us an email at pat@louisianarunning.com including a picture of your signing (if you have one), where you will be competing, and in what event. Thanks!</p>
