The University of Mississippi Athletics
Chris Lawson Talks Rebel Track And Field
2/25/2004 | Track and Field
Feb. 25, 2004
OXFORD, Miss. - Thanks for joining us Chris. First of all, how do you like it here at the University of Mississippi, and what made you decide to come here out of high school in Louisiana?
I like it here at Ole Miss. It is definitely a big change from New Orleans. Here in Oxford, people seem to be much friendlier. I chose Ole Miss mainly because my brother ran at LSU, and I did not want to follow in his footsteps. I also really wanted to compete in the SEC.
Could you talk a little about your time at Holy Cross High School? I know you participated in several sports there. Did competing in those sports help your development as a track athlete?
Throughout high school, I did almost every sport my school offered up until my junior year. After that, I chose swimming and track to focus on. I think these two sports basically went hand in hand.
The Ole Miss men's team (currently ranked 23rd nationally by Trackwire) seems to be poised to return to the national spotlight. With the SEC Championships coming up this weekend, what is the squad's mindset and outlook?
We are looking to move up in the rankings and prove to the rest of the SEC that we mean business, and we shouldn't be taken lightly. Our 4x400 team has already taken down Arkansas, and with Franz Bernard anchoring, we are looking to take down the rest of the conference.
This season you have participated in everything from the short sprints to the horizontal jumps to the relay races. What events will you compete in this weekend, and what plans do you have of helping Ole Miss achieve its goals?
This weekend I plan to compete in the long jump, the 60 and the 200. I am looking to qualify for nationals in all three events, as well as place high and score points for my team.
With the loss of standout Kendrick Triggs this past year, do you feel it is your duty to step up and help fill that void?
Yes. I feel with Kendrick gone, I must become more of a leader now. I have to fill his shoes, so to speak.
Looking forward to the outdoor season, the stage couldn't be better for a top finish for the Rebels, especially after a solid recruiting class, a strong returning group, the completion of a top-notch track facility and hosting the 2004 Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships. Has the team set any goals, and how do these expectations help in every day preparations?
This is our home, and the championship meet is going to be here. We basically want to win it. When practice starts to get rough, and you feel like giving up, somebody will just mention that SEC's will be here, and that really helps.
What do you like to do outside of track?
I like to hang out with my teammates.
What would you tell aspiring young track athletes?
Just to stay focused and don't give up on your dreams when times get hard.
