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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Q &A With Rachel Ellison
2/25/2004 | Track and Field
Feb. 25, 2004
OXFORD, Miss. - Rachel, first of all could you talk a little bit about how you first discovered the sport of running?
When I was in the eighth grade, all of my friends were running track. I had been playing tennis before that, so I decided to go and try out a different sport.
How did you end up at Ole Miss all the way from Pasco, Washington?
Coach O'Neal contacted my high school coach during my senior year at Pasco. He had requested that I call him back, so I did. Basically after that, we began talking about the possibility of running at Ole Miss. After I visited the campus, I knew it was the right fit for me.
When you got here as a freshman last year, you made an immediate impact in the 800-meter run. This year, after a successful fall cross country season, it seems you have shifted your focus to the mile distance. How has the last two years of experience helped you, and what are your plans in terms of both distances?
Coming out of high school, my main focus was the 800. My entire freshman year of college, the 800 was also my main event. These races helped me realize that I do not have the foot speed to be highly competitive in this conference at that distance. I feel that in the future, the mile will be my stronger race. I believe my endurance is more developed than my foot speed at this time.
You have several school records under your belt, most recently the indoor mile record of 4:54.59. How does it feel to be number one?
It feels wonderful, but I know that my times will only improve as the season progresses, so I can't get too comfortable.
You had never run cross country in high school, competing rather in track and soccer. You have led the Lady Rebels in cross country the last two seasons ? could you talk about that transition?
My first cross country season was very difficult for me. It made me realize that cross country runners do not get the credit they deserve. Though I missed soccer, I knew that cross country would be great training for both the indoor and outdoor track seasons. I now enjoy running 3.75 miles for a single race.
You have also excelled in the classroom at Ole Miss, compiling a near perfect 3.8 grade point average. How hard is it to balance your academics with athletics?
I try to manage my time very wisely. When I'm at the track, I focus on the task at hand, and during the evening, I devote at least three hours to studying.
What kind of stuff do you enjoy outside of running?
-I enjoy listening to music, reading books, talking with my family and hanging out with friends.
Good luck this weekend!
Thanks!
