Year: Junior
Major: Business
Sport: Men’s Track
FP: How long have you been running track?
Jimmy: I’ve been running track since the 7th grade. When I got to middle school I didn’t feel like trying out for baseball and basketball. The two sports that I didn’t have to try out for were football and track. I knew at a young age I was naturally fast because kids out on the playground could never catch me in tag and other games.
FP: What were your emotions like when you set the school record in the 600 meters last weekend?
Jimmy: It was a good feeling because I am pretty good friends with the previous record holder, Nick Macklin. I told him back in December when I bumped into him that I was going to take his record, just joking around. But I actually did it. It was my first time running the 600m.
FP: You went to high school at Gorham; what made you want to go to college in the same town?
Jimmy: Well it was close to home and I could save money living at home. This year was the first year I moved onto campus and I enjoy the freedom.
FP: Who are some of your heroes?
Jimmy: Jeremy Wariner, (the gold medalist in the 400m at Athens) and when I played football, Dan Marino and Doug Mercer. Michael Johnson is a big inspiration too.
FP: What are your feelings towards the recent steroid convictions handed down to star track athletes Justin Gatlin and Marion Jones?
Jimmy: I think the punishment that was given was well justified. These world-class athletes smeared the sport that they devoted a lot of their life to. They lose all their medals and if they were on a relay team, like Marion Jones, they jeopardize their other teammates’ medals. Plus, they make American athletes look like liars and cheaters when they lie to the press and then come out later and try to apologize.
FP: What are some of your hobbies besides running and track?
Jimmy: When I can afford, it I like to play paintball. I also like hanging with friends, going to the beach, being outdoors, camping. I don’t really do much, but I’m a huge movie junkie. I have over 150 to 200 DVDs.
FP: What do you love about running?
Jimmy: What I love about this sport is working hard and seeing results. I also love to watch my teammates excel and get better as well. When my teammates have really good races it’s fun to watch and it gets the whole team pumped up and excited to work even harder.
FP: Is there anything that you hate about running?
Jimmy: Not really. I don’t like running long distances however. I like the races that are quick and fast; Like my boy Ricky Bobby says, “if you’re not first you’re last!”
FP: Is there anything you want USM to know about the “real” Jimmy Sawyer?
Jimmy: I’m a pretty down to earth guy, I like long walks on the beach, and I’m single!