Former National Champion talks about career at TCU
6/8/2008 12:00:00 AM
June 8, 2008
FORT WORTH, Texas - In just two seasons at TCU, the powerful Donovan Powell made a monumental impact on TCU's sprinting scene. With the National Championships this week, Gofrogs.com sat down with the former All-American to talk about his career as a Flyin' Frog.
Powell anchored the Horned Frogs to back-to-back 4x100 meter NCAA relay crowns in 1994 and 1995, and finished third and second, respectively, in the 100-meter events at those national meets. Overall, Powell finished with five All-America awards at TCU.
He continued his track career by competing professionally where he captured the gold medal at the U.S. Indoor Championships in the 60-meter dash. He also placed second in the same event at the World Indoors in 1999.
You are one of the most prolific runners in TCU history, what do you remember most about your time as a Flyin' Frog?
"I remember all of the hard work I put into it and the practices. I also remember all of my teammates and the fun times we had on the track celebrating our successes when the hard work paid off."
What was it about TCU that prepared you most for the rest of your life?
"TCU taught me about pride and honor. Mostly, I remember how coach Bubba took me under his wing and treated me like a son. He taught me about disciplining my craft and respecting my competitors, while staying humble in the process."
Why did you choose to attend TCU?
"TCU had a very strong tradition of Jamaicans running track. Also, TCU had a great reputation of being a great school with great track team."
Do you still follow TCU Track and Field?
Yes!
You are from Jamaica, does it mean anything to you that some of the current Frogs from Jamaica like Clemore Henry are succeeding so successfully?
"Yes it makes me very happy to see the Jamaican tradition continue."
You have had an amazing career after leaving Fort Worth, talk a little bit about your professional career and what you would consider your biggest accomplishment?
"I ran professional track from 1995-2001 and was fortunate enough to compete all over the world. What I consider my biggest accomplishment was beating Carl Lewis in the 100 meters, which I actually did while still competing for TCU at a meet in Houston. Secondly, was being able to represent my country of Jamaica in the 2000 Sydney Olympics for the 4X100 meter relay team."
What do you currently do?
"I do speed training for kids in Austin."
With the NCAA's upon us, what is your most memorable moment at nationals?
"My most memorable moment was when my team won the 4X100 meter relay in 1995 at the NCAA's."
Finally, what are your impressions of the program Darryl Anderson is building at TCU?
"I actually have known coach Anderson for a long time. He really seems to have a great vision on where he is taking the Flyin' Frogs. I feel very good about him being the coach and am confident that he will take the Frogs back to the top."
Players Mentioned
