RAYMOND, Miss. - In day one of the NJCAA Indoor National Championships, Tavon Davis and Queen Usunobunqualified for a chance a National Championship in their respective event. Both athletes had a strong Indoor season and capped it off earning a National Championship.
This week we sat down with Tavon Davis, Queen Usunobun, and Head Coach Reginald Dillon.
What was the feeling like when you crossed the finish line/completed your event knowing you had won a national championship?
Tavon Davis (TD): The feeling of me crossing the finish line at the national championship was incredible because I accomplished a lifelong dream and I wanted to accomplish that dream for a very, very long time because out of all of the work I've put in the last couple of months, and it finally came together.
What was your training regimen like in the months leading up to the championship?
TD: Well, my training regimen was kind of crucial, but it was worth it because I had to put in a lot of miles, so I'll probably do 5 miles a day and then turn around to speed work on certain day like two 350s, 450s at a steady race pace and then after a while I'll finish up with cool down.
What or who are your biggest inspiration(s) in track and field?
TD: My biggest inspirations are my family, coaches, and my teammates. Those are the three main things that helps me keep going and help me to not quit what I loved the most. They push me to my limit every day, knowing that I could be something in life and for that that is the reason why they are all my inspirations
What are your goals for the outdoor season and what are your goals for next year?
Well, my goal for this outdoor season is to become a two-time national champion but instead in the 800m dash with the time of 1:45 that's the goal I want to run. I strive to run 1:45 and break the JUCO record in that event also.
Next, we will hear from Queen Usunobun on her journey to becoming a NJCAA National Champion.
What was the feeling like when you crossed the finish line/completed your event knowing you had won a national championship?
Queen Usunbun (QU): When I crossed the finish line, knowing that I'm now the national Champion, I felt grateful to God and joy filled my heart.
What was your biggest challenge leading up to the championship, and how did you overcome it?
QU: That's a great question before my national championship; I was having a great burden on how it will be possible for me to become a national champion. I felt different here at Hinds with the help of my coaches, who always told me it's possible and with my preparations with my team, I will build up my confidence and courage to compete in my events. I also told myself this has always been my dream and with God All Things are possible.
How did you stay focused and motivated during the tough training periods?
QU: I told myself this has always been my dream to become a National Champion and to bring joy to the poor and needy. I also told myself there is no going back; I have come a long way to be a champion and I credit the help of my coaches and my friends who believed in me.
What advice would you give to other athletes who are striving to win a national championship?
QU: My advice to other athletes is to put God first and always believe in yourself. Additionally, you must "Trust the Process" and always be happy for the progress of others. Lastly, stay focused on the process no matter the ups and downs it's for your good.
Finally, we sat down with Head Coach Reginald Dillon to get his thought and feeling of adding two more National Champions to Hinds Track & Field.
What were your feelings when you saw Queen and Tavon crossing the finish line knowing they were National Champions?
RD: When Tavon crossed the line, I saw the time and I knew we had just broken the NJCAA National Record. He almost broke it in his prelim race the day before. For him to break the national record was great feeling. I know Queen had been through a lot and it was amazing watching her cross the finish line because she puts in the work at training. She is an asset to Hinds Track & Field.
What specific strengths and contributions did each of these two athletes bring to the team?
RD: Both athletes work hard daily, but they have days when it's tough and they must push harder. We are all one big team, and they contribute to the relays when needed.
What are your expectations for these two athletes in the coming season and beyond?
RD: My expectations are to get back to training and get ready for the outdoor season. It is a priority to give it their all in their open events and relays. We will have to see how we can do the double 400m for queen and for Tavon we must now choose either the 400m dash or the 800m run because the 600m run is not contested outdoors.
Hinds Track and Field will return to action on Saturday, March 22nd for a local meet at Belhaven University for the Belhaven Invitational in Jackson, Miss. Come out and support all of these athletes.
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