The University of Akron Athletics
'On The Record' with Track's Daryl Baptiste
January 24 | Track & Field
AKRON, Ohio – To coincide with the start of the indoor track and field season, GoZips.com is proud to introduce a new feature called, "On The Record."
In this weekly Q&A feature, you will have the opportunity to get to know a member of The University of Akron track and field program. In our first edition, we caught up with Zips' junior Daryl Baptiste.
GoZips.com: How did you first get started participating in track & field?
Baptiste: I first got started because my sister was doing it first and she inspired me to do it. I also wanted to use track as another sport to get me faster for football.
Why did you decide to participate in track & field in college?
I chose to run track because it was something i was good at and I enjoyed doing it. Also, it was another way to meet new people and travel.
What motivates you during a tough training session?
My parents. Knowing that they are working hard for me to come out here and run track, it just makes me work that much harder.
Is there a certain person in your life that has inspired you during your track career?
Yes, my sister, because she was the first one in my family to run track.
Why did you choose to come to The University of Akron?
I choose Akron because of the coaching staff and the facility. Also, there were other athletes on the team who have jumped farther then me, so I knew – other than the coaching staff – I could also get some help from my teammates.
What are some of your athletic goals?
To make it to the NCAA Championships for indoor and outdoor in the long jump. I also want to help my team become a top-25 program nationally and make it to the Olympic Trials where, hopefully, I can earn the right to compete at the World Championships or Olympics.
What are your career goals?
To get a steady job somewhere in the sports industry.
Do you have a certain ritual for competition?
Don't have any.
What is your greatest track & field memory?
My greatest track and field memory would definitely be getting a 1-2-3 sweep at MAC Outdoors my sophomore year at Akron.
The University of Akron and the Stile Athletics Field House will be the host site of the MAC Indoor Championships next month. How do you think the team will benefit from hosting the event?
I think it's going to motivate our team a whole lot. It gives us a home field advantage knowing that all of our friends and family are going to be there to watch us compete. It will also get us more excited to compete overall on those two days.
How does the Akron home meet atmosphere compare to some of the other MAC meets you have been?
Akron home meets are really exciting because of the way the crowd gets into the meet. They clap for the field events and cheer on those who are on the track whether they are winning or behind on that last straight away.
What does it mean to you to be able to compete in front of a home crowd so often during the Indoor season?
It means a lot to me because, come conference time, there's no reason to be nervous because you're at home and you're used to the atmosphere. I will be more excited and relaxed then nervous when it comes time to compete.
