June 17, 2008

The collegiate track & field season is over for 2008, but for three Matador student-athletes, the next stop is the United States Olympic Trials (June 27 ­ July 6, Eugene, Oregon) for Reindell Cole (long jump), Desirae Gonder (high jump) and Thomas Ross (110 meter hurdles). How proud are you of their accomplishments in 2008?

Very proud. One of our goals this year was to get a school record number of athletes to the NCAA¹s which we accomplished. Another goal was to get several athletes to the Olympic Trials. We have the most athletes in Cal State Northridge history to compete for an opportunity to make the U.S. Olympic team. Each year you try to get the program to a higher level. We met several challenges this year and we¹ll raise the bar even further next year.

Reindell (Cole) has had a phenomenal year. Here was an athlete in high school who participated in track & field only during the months of April, May and June. Now he has experienced a collegiate season where he has competed from September through June. He understands what it is like to train for an entire year, and I'm sure next year he'll become even a better athlete. He was disappointed with his performance at the NCAA's, but he has put that behind him, and now is looking forward to the Olympic Trials.

Desirae (Gonder) has probably been the most consistent performer in the program this year. It is one thing to jump 6-feet-1 once, but she has done it several times and has become consistent in her efforts. Thomas Ross has never done well running into the wind. Unfortunately at the NCAA's, he had a race where he had to run into a heavy wind. We expect Thomas to rebound to where he was earlier this year he ran a school record 13.65. He¹s had a great season. He pr'd in the long jump and the 100 meters. Thomas has taken it to another level. The three that are going to the Olympic Trials deserve to go.

For Reindell Coles, he is a freshman competing at the Olympic Trials against such great athletes. What is your advice to Reindell?

Just be yourself. You can¹t be anybody else but yourself. He is looking forward to the Olympic Trials and just doing his best. If you look at the big picture, the experience will benefit him in the future. He has the opportunity and the ability to be one of America¹s bright hopes in the future.

And what advice would you give to Desirae (Gondoer) and Thomas (Ross)?

Even though he is a senior, this is only Thomas¹ second year at Cal State Northridge. He came here with a time of 14.27 in the 110 meter hurdles, and now he is down to 13.65. Given the right conditions, he can run even faster. Desirae has been a consistent performer. It is one thing to jump 6-1 once, but to do it several times is wonderful.