Fortenberry will be a favorite for the 400m title (uscsports.com) |
1. As one of the top 400 meter runners in the country right now, how are you feeling heading into the NCAA Championships?
I am confident that I will come out on top and win the NCAA title. I would like to run 45.5 or lower.
2. One of the highlights from the outdoor season last year was when you came out of nowhere to pull ahead the rest of the field in the 4x400 meter relay final at the NCAA Championships. By anchoring home the title for South Carolina, how did it feel to come out on top over a great field?
It was great, I even amazed myself after that race. But I feel that my best performance last year was during the 4x400 meter relay prelims at the NCAA's. I really put on a show when I dropped the stick and came back from last to get third in my heat. I guess that is why my nickname is "The Show."
3. Your converted time of 45.98 this indoor season currently ranks second among all collegians. Looking ahead to the outdoor season, what kind of goals and times would you like to meet?
I would like to win the big three meets during the outdoor season (SEC, Regional and NCAA Championships) and run at least 44.5 this year.
4. Head coach Curtis Frye has developed the South Carolina program into a national power over the past several years. How has he helped you get to where the level you are at right now?
It helps having Coach Frye around including having better people on your team to help you be a better runner. That is why I owe a lot of my success to my training partners (Otis Harris, Thomas Lewis and Kenneth Ferguson), because they make me a better runner.
5. In high school, you were the Georgia Track Athlete of the Year in 2001 after many outstanding accomplishments. What do you remember the most and are most proud of during your high school career?
In high school, I was most proud of being Co-MVP with my cousin (Derrick Tinsley, a Tennessee running back) on back-to-back team state championship titles. Also running against my little brother Reggie Witherspoon, I am so proud of what he is accomplishing now.
6. The SEC is by far the best collegiate track & field conference in the country right now. What is it like to be a part of and compete in such an outstanding conference with so many great athletes?
It is hard to explain how great it is to be in the SEC. All I can say is when you step up to the starting line, you better grow and be a man fast, because the dogs are going to be let loose.
7. Describe a typical workout that you have to endure in training for the 400 meters during the competition season and what have been some of your most outstanding workouts.
Coach Frye likes to give us lapper's or five 300 meters with 90 seconds rest. I know I shouldn't be saying this, but my most memorable workout was me by myself racing against the girls 4x100 meter relay team. I am going to let you guess who won the race.
8. How does everyone feel heading into the NCAA Championships and into the outdoor season for South Carolina?
We go into every meet as if it is a war -- and we don't take any prisoners!
9. What kind of strategy, if any, do you have when you compete in the 400 meters? How do you break down the race to where you would like to be?
I have no strategy as I let God decide on how my race goes. He makes it come natural, and always with good results.
10. The 400 meters in the United States is in dire need to fill the void left my Michael Johnson after he retired several years ago. Not many athletes have been stepping up to the level where they can dominate at the international level. What will you try to do to help secure to bring back the long sprint success back to the U.S.?
I don't feel that the U.S. is in dire need to fill Michael Johnson's shoes. The 400 meters is just being overshadowed by the success of the 100 meter runners. We are doing good, but there is no fan fare for the 400 meters right now. We just need someone who can put on a show for the fans and I think I am the right man for the job.
11. What do you enjoy to do the most when you are away from the track and don't have to worry about school?
I don't know because I am always near the track and I am always worrying about school.