On Track with NCAA indoor champion Jackson Langat
3/27/2006 12:00:00 AM
March 27, 2006
FT. WORTH, Texas - Senior Jackson Langat, the first TCU track athlete to win the 800 meters at an NCAA Indoor Track Championships, became only the third men's individual champion in school history. He posted a season-best time of 1:47.02 to take the 800m title and receive All-America distinction at the 2006 NCAA Indoor Track Championships on March 11.
The native from Kericho, Kenya, also picked up his second All-America accolade at the same national meet. Langat was part of the men's 4x400 meter relay squad that crossed the line in 3:08.82 to finish eighth. The Flyin' Frog quartet included fellow seniors Lewis Banda and Quincy Butler along with sophomore Otis McDaniel.
Langat also became the first NCAA individual champion under head coach Darryl Anderson's reign at TCU.
The following is a list of questions and answers from Langat.
Q. How did it feel winning the 800 meters at the NCAA Indoor Track Championships?
A. There was excitement as well as disbelief when I won the 800 meters. I felt it was a big accomplishment for me. It was a great feeling to win, especially when you know any one of the runners is capable of winning the race.
Q. As a fifth-year senior, you have many memories on the track. What are your most memorable moments at TCU?
A. My most memorable moment at TCU would have to be winning the 800 meters at the NCAA Indoor Track Championships last month. I worked very hard with coach Anderson and it paid off.
Q. You've had the opportunity to work with two different head coaches at TCU - coach Darryl Anderson and former head coach Monte Stratton. What have you learned from each of them and how has it helped you?
A. Both are great coaches in their own right. I really didn't work with coach Stratton the way I've been able to with coach Anderson. I feel close to coach Anderson because he is a very open and honest person. He has helped me tremendously to get to where I am today.
Q. What is the one thing most people don't know about you?
A. Most people get the impression that I'm an outgoing person. I'm actually quite the opposite - reserve and considerate. I'm not shy or quiet. I'll talk to anyone but I don't like to intrude on other people.
Q. What do you like to do when you're not on the track competing or studying for class?
A. When I'm not competing or studying, I enjoy attending church and hanging out with friends. I like being around people. I also call home (Kenya) to talk to my family about once every two weeks.
Q. What are your plans after graduation? Do you plan to return home to Kenya and train for the Olympics there?
A. I don't have any specific plans after graduation. I'm actually keeping my options open at this time. Right now, I'm focusing on the outdoor season first and then cross that bridge when the time comes. I would like to continue running at the professional level, but I'm just going to work on what is currently in front of me.
Players Mentioned
