Aniecia Brewster

Sarah Gore is multi-talented on the softball diamond, playing both field positions and designated hitter for the Tiger softball team at Jackson State University. Gore, a senior, will be receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology on April 23, 2016.

Gore came to Jackson State after she graduated from her junior college in Arizona. One of her junior college coaches played softball at Jackson State under Coach Fremin and was instrumental in her recruitment to JSU. That same coach also informed her about Phi Theta Kappa transfers scholarship opportunities.

In addition to her skills on the diamond, Gore is in the Guinness Book of World Records for participating in the longest trampoline dodge ball game, playing for 24 hours straight.

“My expectations for myself on the field have always been very high. I have been playing a very long time under some very knowledgeable coaches and I feel that I should know what to do at all times,” said Gore.

However, softball is a game of winning and losing and it has taken her a long time to understand that she is not perfect and losing in this sport is going to happen.

“For this season, I expect to just go out and have fun playing the game that I love because this is my last chance to play it,” said Gore.

Gore has maintained a batting average of .950 during her college career. She also prides herself for her defensive fielding abilities hand has worked hard to make sure she is prepared to handle the ball in every situation.

During this season, Gore, wants to stay focused but intends to have fun and to keep a positive attitude throughout her final season at JSU.

“My future goals for myself are that I would like to become a doctor.  I have wanted to be a doctor since I was 5 and I am looking forward to the challenge it brings as well as the help I will be able to provide to others,” said Gore.

Gore does visualization before each game but usually just in the last few minutes on the bus or right before she leaves her room. Gore wants to make sure that her mind is right and cleared so that she can perform to her fullest ability.

When it comes to the support, Gore feels that her team this year is very close and they know each other very well, which allows them to be able to support each other in any situation, good or bad, on or off the field.

According to Gore, softball has definitely prepared her for life. It has taught her how to world hard, how to make connections, how to work together with others, and to know that loving what you do is the most important thing when it comes to choosing a career.

So far this season the softball team is doing well with team communication and being on the same page. They all want the same thing, a SWAC Championship, and they are willing to work to achieve that goal.

“I see the team at the end of the season with a SWAC Championship trophy,” said Gore.

Aniecia Brewster

For Camilo A. Patino, it’s more than just a match on the tennis court at Jackson State University. Patino, a senior and men’s tennis player, will be receiving his bachelor of science degree in industrial technology focusing on manufacturing and design in April 2016.

Patino came to Jackson State with a scholarship and wanted to receive the best experience academically and athletically during his collegiate years.

“I try to live each day 100 percent, always giving my best in anything I do. I see everyday as an opportunity to learn and improve not only in my sport but also in any aspect of life. I always have that in mind,” said Patino.

Patino was proud about his previous season stats.

“I got the All-Southwestern Athletic Conference team doubles with one of my teammates. But I think what I’m really proud about was 2015 SWAC championship were we as a team beat Alcorn State in the semis,” said Patino.

Alcorn was seeded No. 1 and JSU was seeded No. 4.

Patino also stated, “Now we believe and we think we can win this year.”

While playing on the tennis court, Patino gives it his all in every match.

“I play each match as if it was my last. I’ve been improving during the years at JSU. Now I’m playing in the top positions and I’m happy about that. But I don’t just want to play in the top positions, I also want to win and give those matches and points to my team,” said Patino.

During this season, Patino plans to individually get points in his position, which means he has to win his matches. As a team, the goal has been set and that goal is to become 2016 SWAC champions. Patino feels they can get the championship and go to regionals.

Patino plans to continue his tennis career after graduating.

“I love my sport so much. I would really like to stay in it for a little longer. It’s hard to retire or “hang the racquets” after so many years of training and competitions. One of my future goals is having my own sport-training center, not only for tennis but for other sports too.”

Patino continued, “I want to combine my technology knowledge and sport experience in order to help and improve players of all sports and levels.”

Nevertheless, all the responsibilities, time management, training and people skills that you develop and use when playing for a team are great things that can still be used after college years are over. Sometimes, it’s hard to stick to a plan.

Patino indicated that tennis is a sport where you can face all kind of players with different styles of game. So, his strategy is always playing his game. He likes being aggressive and moving forward toward the net. If he sees he has to change his style then he will during the match.

“It’s always a good feeling having people cheering you on and pushing you. In the other side, we would like to have more support from the athletics department,” said Patino.

At the end of Patino’s season, he sees the tennis team winning the SWAC and going to nationals.

Aniecia Brewster

For Karina Saeri Ono, it’s more than just a match on the tennis court at Jackson State University.  Ono, a senior and women’s tennis player, will be receiving her Bachelors of Business Management in April of 2016.

Ono came to Jackson State after she graduated from junior college in Kansas. Looking for a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 team where she could get a full ride scholarship, continue her career in tennis, and finish her bachelor’s degree, Ono chose JSU.

While Ono was searching for the right school to attend, she saw the JSU tennis schedule and had the opportunity to watch the team play and noticed they played a lot of Student Athletic Advisory Committee schools, which would give her the chance to get some extra experience and learn more about tennis in college.

Ono plans to pursue a professional career in tennis while still in the United States. She’s ready to see what opportunities she will face but she plans to get a job with her degree, work on her Optional Practical Training, and start graduate school.

While on the tennis court, Ono, expects to perform her best in her matches and for her teammates to succeed too.

Ono played in the national championship for the National Junior College Athletic Association in 2012 during her junior college career.

She expects herself to have a good attitude on the court and perform better than her previous season.

“For this year, I plan on doing good for the round-ups and the championship at the end of the season as well. The team is working for the first round up and for this year we plan to win the conference and get a ring,” said Ono.

She rehearses strategies, execution, and feelings for every competition. She feels that her strategies are important not only for tennis but for any sport in general. She always tries to see in her mind a good match that she played before or focus more on what she is supposed to do and make sure not to make the same mistakes.

The men’s and women’s tennis team gained a new head coach Lois Alexis, during fall 2015. Ono described her as a very good person, very positive, high energy and potential. Ono stated that she has already got involved with the whole team and she embraced the idea and goal they had previously, which is getting a ring for this season. Coach Alexis makes the tennis team work hard together.

Ono definitely feels that her sport is a good preparation for her life.

“I am having an amazing opportunity to study in a foreign country, add another language, meet new people, different cultures, countries, and have a lot of experience. Tennis helped me a lot with being disciplined, responsible, organized, respectful and lead with losses,” said Ono.

“I hope at the end of the season everybody can be happy with their performance and I really hope we achieve the SWAC championship for 2016,” said Ono.

Aniecia Brewster

For Krystal Nailer, it’s more than just a game on the basketball court at Jackson State University. Nailer, a senior and women’s basketball player and will be receiving her bachelor of arts in criminal justice in April 2016.

Nailer is well known for being a part of the JSU women’s basketball team.

Nailer came to Jackson State because she felt as though it was the best in state HBCU along with wanting to stay close to home so that her son and family would have the benefit of seeing her further her basketball career at JSU.

Once Nailer finishes her undergraduate degree she plans to further her education at JSU by attending graduate school. She also plans to begin her career where she can decrease recidivism in juvenile delinquency as a parole officer.

Typically, Nailer reminds herself to always work hard, play aggressive and leave it all on the court. AStats are not, Nailer main focus but she is extremely proud about the Jackson State vs. University of Mobile game where she achieved 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 5 sssists. That was the game that set the tone for her personally and how she wanted her season to go.

“Currently, I am out for the rest of the season due to a career ending injury many know as a torn ACL,” said Nailer.

Nailer was a big aspect to the team and the moment she went down it was a devastating moment for her and the team.

“I can admit that I was once devastated about my injury. As I faced reality and the bigger picture, I knew that every time I stepped on the court, I gave my all. I am just thankful that I had the opportunity to further my basketball career here at JSU and this was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Nailer.

“I have had several JSU alumni to come up to me and express how hurt they are about my injury and how excited they were when I got in the game to play. Just knowing that I made my family and JSU family proud it made me feel humbled and willing to work to get back healthy in order to further my career in basketball. All while enjoying my basketball career alleviates a lot of my frustration with my injury,” said Nailer.

Nailer feels the support is there for her at all times, especially since her injury.

“Throughout this downfall I truly hope that I have had an impact on someone who may be going through the same situation as I am and can uplift themselves through my character and testimony. My motto to anyone suffering from any injury or personal problem that may have them down and out would be, Despite the circumstance never give up, when you change your attitude you change your circumstance,” said Nailer.

For Tamarick Johnson, it’s more than a sprint on the track at Jackson State University. Johnson, a graduating senior and track and field athlete stands as one of the team captains and will be receiving his bachelor of science in mass communication in April 2016.

Johnson is well known for being a part of the JSU men’s track and field team and Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society.

Johnson came to Jackson State because he was offered a full athletic scholarship to run track and field during his collegiate years. Being offered a full scholarship coming into your freshman year is a great opportunity but it’s on the person if they will hold on to the scholarship or not. You have to perform on the track and field and in the classroom. Johnson has managed to be a student-athlete.

Johnson is not only academically on point but he also is proficient. He is a 5x high school state champion in track and field in the state of Georgia. In 2011, he was the 400-meter dash and 200-meter dash champion. In 2012, he was the 400-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and 4×4 meter relay champion. He also broke the record in 4×400 meter relay with a 3:15 in 2012 to wrap of his high school career.

On the college side for Johnson, he is the 4×400 meter relay SWAC indoor and outdoor champion in 2013. He holds the title as SWAC indoor most valuable player in 2015. He is the 400-meter dash indoor and outdoor champion in 2015. Johnson is most prideful of his time in the 2015 outdoor track and field season when he ran a time of 20.98 as his best time of the season.

Johnson doesn’t have any expectations this season but wants to enjoy the moments during his last season here at Jackson State. Whatever happens during this season, Johnson will be satisfied because he knows he did what he came to do.

“This is my last year running track & field here at Jackson State, so I just want to enjoy it with my teammates and also have a lot more fun this year,” said Johnson.

Johnson has his own rehearse strategies and executions when it comes to track and field. He likes to warm up alone during practice and meets so that he can focus on what he has to do to perform at his best.

Johnson feels he has a great support system in his life. His family, friends and teammates are always there to lend a helpful hand if he needs the help.

He feels that track and field is great preparation for life. He stated that, “track and field is a good sport that can prepare you for life. The main thing it teaches you is consistency. If your not consistently going to practice, the weight room and things of that nature you won’t get the results you want. Consistency is needed with pretty much everything you do.”

Johnson season started off a little slow because JSU men’s team is a younger team but as the season progresses, he feels everyone will start to gain confidence in them, especially the new recruits.

“This team as a whole is very young this year but definitely has potential do something this year in the SWAC. Just have to continue to stay focused and keep working,” said Johnson.

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http://sites.jsums.edu/jsuflash/?p=6787

Hometown: New Orleans, La.

Major: Mathematics 

Classification: Graduate Student

Sport: Track and Field

Position: Sprinter/ Hurdler

Aniecia Brewster

MC Contributor/Staff Writer

For Bentrell McGee, it’s more than just a run on the track or a leap over a hurdle at Jackson State University. McGee, a graduate mathematics major and track and field athlete, was one of the top graduates in his department. He is now is working on his master’s of science degree.

In addition to the men’s track and field team, McGee is also a member of Chi Alpha Epsilon Honors Society, and Pi Alpha Epsilon Math Honor Society.

He came to Jackson State because he wanted to learn what it would be like to attend an HBCU and be a part of something great. He also wanted to continue his time at JSU by entering graduate school because he built that one on one relationship with his professors.

Once McGee finishes his master’s program, he plans to become a math teacher at the middle or high school level.

McGee is not only book smart but he is also athletically talented. He is a 3x regional qualifier, 2x SWAC Indoor Hurdle Champion, First Team All-SWAC and Academic All-American.

“I have a talent for brightening people’s day and for track, I always had that motivation instilled in me where I have to finish what I start. As I went threw the motion of running and drills, I’ve developed a love/hate relationship for the sport,” said McGee.

McGee holds his expectations high for himself by being able to exceed the previous performance while competing with sportsmanship He is also the team captain for the men’s track and field team.

“As a captain, I lead by example. I show them the way I handle myself in training and competition. I believe my verbal skills can be better because I’m not the most vocal person,” said McGee.

McGee helps carry the team because he wants to see the best in each individual whether the athlete is a walk on or on scholarship.

This season, McGee plans to break the SWAC record in the hurdles. Team wise, he wants to lead his teammates on the road to becoming a champion.

“For five days a week, three hours per day, I am training, recovering and working hard for that next competition date,” said McGee.

McGee has an endless supportive network extending from family, friends, teammates, and coaches.

He feels that track and field is good preparation for life because running track teaches him to be sociable, confident and how to be a good leader and captain to his teammates.

JSU track and field season has had two indoor meets so far but McGee is confident in his team that the team will finish strong at the indoor and outdoor SWAC Championships.

“At the end of the season, I believe my team can walk away with a ring,” said McGee.

 Aniecia Brewster

It’s more than a game for Courtlyn Williams, a defender for Jackson State University women’s soccer team.

Williams is well known for being a part of the 2013 SWAC Soccer Championship team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Williams chose Jackson State University because it was very welcoming to her during her school visit. She stated that she felt like she was home. Even though it is different, Williams stated that everyone speaks to you and makes you feel welcomed.

As a little girl, Williams took piano lessons for three years and can play the piano without skipping a note.

Williams puts her heart in the team and she expects to give 110 percent of herself to the team and her teammates.

Last season, Williams missed the majority of the season due to a knee injury that resulted in surgery.

No injury or surgery stopped Williams from coming back for the next season ready to work hard and help her team make it to the top.

“I always give every game my all and play as if it’s my last,” said Williams.

In the future, she plans to get her Master’s degree and become a finance manager for a large company, such as Google or UPS.

Williams gets fired up before each game by listening to music to get into game mode.

From her family, the coaches, and the other member of the soccer team, she feels that she definitely gets the best support.

“Soccer is definitely preparation for life. Having to manage good grades with practices takes good time management skills and decisions,” said Williams.

One major highlight for Williams during her collegiate career at JSU is when the Lady Tigers soccer team defeated the Alabama State University Lady Hornets 1-0 and won the 2013 SWAC Soccer Championship

The soccer team has had a great season. They finished No. 2 in the 2015 Southwestern Athletic Conference.

JSU opened the 2015 conference tournament with an advantage over their first opponent, Prairie View A&M University. The last time the two teams met, JSU defeated PVAMU, 2-0.

The team was eliminated from the SWAC tournament and finished their season after they fell 1-0 to PVAMU at the John Hunt Soccer Complex.

“We’ve gained a lot of knowledge this season and put so much work in order to be able to bring back a ring,” said Williams.

Williams and the soccer team were saddened by the loss but are ready to work on the little mistakes to get the title next season.

Williams won’t rest until she gets another ring. She wants to be able to be a strong leader for the women’s soccer team and help the team become champions once again.

Aniecia Brewster

Even though it was Jackson State University’s Homecoming, the men and women’s cross-country team still had to handle business at the Mississippi College Choctaw Trails for the big championship.

The Tigers went up against nine schools from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) including: Alcorn State University, Southern University, Alabama State University, Alabama A&M University, Mississippi Valley State University, Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Grambling State University.

The JSU men’s cross country finished fourth by running an 8K (4.9 miles).  James Curtis (27:10) finished 5th for JSU. Eclecius Franklin (27:55), Rahiim Aponte (28:17), Jacques Williams III (28:27), Raheem Skinner (28:46), and Darrion Hampton (29:24) also finished strong for JSU.

The men’s race started quickly from the sound of the horn. Instantly the teams were in a big pack to get them in the mix to help their team win the race.

“I was a little disappointed because I thought both teams had a chance to finish higher. The guys had an excellent chance to win and the girls should have had the top four. Overall both teams performed well and we had a good season training and racing,” said Mark Thorne, head coach for JSU men’s cross-country and track and field teams.

The women’s cross-country team followed by running a 5K (3.11 miles.) JSU’s women’s team finished sixth, with Stherline Silencieux (20:45), Akeilia Knight (21:23), D’Andrea Eashmond (21:54), A’Kendra Lewis (22:55), Aniecia Brewster (23:02) and Feniece Boone (24:44) finishing strong for JSU.

“Overall, the ladies showed improvement. Last year we placed 9th and this year we improved three spots. Everyone is stronger and more prepared for indoor and outdoor season. Cross-country set the tone for the remainder of the season,” said Chapin Payne, JSU women’s assistant coach.

James Curtis, a senior social work major from New Jersey made first team all-conference and was honored with a plaque for coming in the top five. Curtis has been leading the men’s cross-country team with his great performances during the past cross-country meets. 

“Honestly it’s a big accomplishment. I learned so much about myself and my teammates. I’m just so happy to be able to do what I love on a college level and continue to mold myself as a better individual. It’s nothing but a blessing that makes me be a better athlete,” said Curtis.

He added: “Getting all-conference first team is really major to me also because all I did this summer was train and work with little down time but I would say I really was in my cocoon this summer. For me to be able to finish top five just gives me motivation to believe in myself for everything I know and have and also be blessed around others.”

After the meet, teams were waiting patiently for the results to see who took the 2015 title. Unfortunately the men teams had to wait since a coach protested the results.

JSU’s men’s team was in third place before the protest and got bumped down to fourth place after they reviewed runners crossing the line for Alabama State and JSU.

On the women’s side, Alabama State won with 15 points to take first place with Prairie View following up behind with 85 points to take second place and Texas Southern University with 119 point to place third.

For the men’s side, Grambling State won with 62 points to take first place with Texas Southern following up behind with 65 points to take second place and Alabama State with 83 point to place third.

Aniecia Brewster

It’s more than a game for William Golston Jr., the wide receiver for the Jackson State University football team.

Golston is well known for being a part of the football team and men’s track and field team as a jumper.

Golston transferred to JSU last year from South Alabama. He chose JSU because of the great culture and tradition of the football team.

Golston finds something unique about himself being that he is mixed with African-American, Cherokee Indian and Chinese.

He plans to make it as far as possible in football and after that he wants to open his own training facility for student athletes to better themselves in the future.

Golston wants to do anything possible to help his team win and will step up when things don’t seem to be going in JSU way.

Before each game, Golston rehearses strategies that they have made during the week and he plays the game in his head the night before and on game day.

Golston is very blessed to have such a strong support system from his family and friends.

He feels football does prepare him for life because the things he goes through by being an athlete made him mentally tough.

“The season is a roller coaster right now, but as we stay together and become closer as a team it will get better and we will see changes,” said Golston.