Kwesi Seabrook, Women's Track and Field Sophomore, Physiology
Dayton, Ohio
I WILL leave Capital as one of the school's best track runners
I WILL graduate
I WILL go to law school
After a three-year hiatus from sports, sophomore Kwesi Seabrook decided to run track this past season and turned in one of the finest freshman seasons in school history. Along with setting school records in both the indoor and outdoor 400 meter dash, Seabrook joined teammates Lizzy Stanton, Jessica Starks, and Brittney Carter as All-Americans with their third-place finish in the 4X100 meter relay at the 2009 Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Seabrook recently talked with sports information assistant Bryan DeArdo about returning to the sport after a three-year absence, her time as an NCAA athlete, and her secret talent.
BD: If I would have told you a year ago that you would be an All-American going into your sophomore year of college, what would you have said?
KS: I would of said, "No, probably not." I didn't even expect to run track or play any sports at Capital.
BD: Why did you decide to run track after not running since your freshmen year of high school?
KS: My best friend Desma (Tripplett) was on the team, so I decided to give it a try. I really didn't think I was going to stick to it, but after meeting all of my great teammates and coaches, I decided to keep at it.
BD: Was training initially difficult since you hadn't played sports in nearly three years?
KS: When I first started, my times weren't as good as they were in high school. I was pretty discouraged. My coaches and teammates told me to keep pushing, and to be patient. I took their advice, and my times dropped with each meet.
BD: What is it like being an athlete at the NCAA level?
KS: It's really cool. You feel really accomplished. It makes you work really hard to keep getting better. I feel more motivated than I ever have before.
BD: You own both the 400 meter run indoor and outdoor records at Capital. What is your biggest strength as a runner that makes you so good at the event?
KS: I don't know, honestly. I didn't think that I was a 400 runner when I started out. It may be genetics, because my Dad ran track and was a basketball player.
BD: Is the 400 meter dash your favorite event?
KS: It is my favorite event because I used to run the 800 and hated it, so then I was able to switch the 400 and things started to click.
BD: Senior Brittney Carter said that you are not a natural 100 meter runner. How were you able to improve so much in that event in such a short time?
KS: We would always have special practices for that event. We would do a lot of handoff and speed work in preparation for it.
BD: Does your 400 meter background help you with the 4X100 meter relay?
KS: Yes, because if you're not tired during a 400 meter run, then you shouldn't be tired running 100 meters.
BD: What did you learn from your first season running track at the college level that you will carry with you going into next season?
KS: I learned that you just have to have time management. You have to be dedicated to the sport, and work really hard at it.
BD: What did you learn from upperclassmen Brittany Carter, Jessica Starks, and now graduate Lizzy Stanton?
KS: I learned that it's good to be close to your teammates and to become friends with everyone. Having a good work ethic is also a very important part of having success.
BD: What other goals would you like to achieve in track this season and in your career?
KS: Next year I want to go to Nationals in the 400 meter run. It would be cool to get back in the 4X100 meter relay as well.
BD: I've heard you have a singing talent. Can you elaborate on that?
KS: I love signing. I sang for my high school graduation, and I currently sing for a band around town. I sing on the team bus every time we go on trips.
BD: Do you have a favorite musician?
KS: Whitney Houston is probably my favorite signer.
BD: What's currently on your I-Pod?
KS: I like a lot of different music. Normally I listen to country, hip-hop or rap.
BD: How would you like to utilize your Psychology major?
KS: I'd like go to law school after graduation.
BD: What is the best part about going to Capital?
KS: It's a small school so you get to know everyone. You get to make really close friends.