Oct. 27, 2009
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Each week, the staff at GoLeopards.com spotlights a student-athlete in a Q&A feature. Today, we caught up with a track and field athlete for the first time this fall as senior Kyle Clayton talks track, music and more.
What's your major and what do you like about your major? I'm a computer science major and I really like the combination of analytical problem-solving and creativity that it requires.
What's been your most interesting class or project so far this semester? Why? Right now I'm working on creating a program that uses heuristics and constraint satisfaction to solve Sudoku puzzles as quickly as possible.
What is your role on the team? I'm a senior sprinter/jumper on the track team. I was captain last year and, though the official captains haven't been announced, I anticipate continuing my leadership role this year.
What is your earliest track and field memory? I remember learning and doing the high and long jumps in elementary school gym class.
What can you take from your sport and incorporate into everyday life? Discipline and determination. Track has taught me how to better schedule my time and how to fully devote my concentration and efforts to each goal I set for myself on and off the track.
What is the greatest thing you can learn from a loss/defeat? You can learn what it is that forces you to get to the start line and compete hard in every race. Win or lose, you're reminded of why it is you're there and you're given new motivation for the next race.
What do you still wish to accomplish? As far as the indoor season is concerned, individually I want to set a school record in the 60m and 200m dashes in the process of becoming league champion in both. I also hope to help the team in the 4x400m relay if needed and become a league champion in the long jump. As the sprint/jump/hurdles group is concerned, I think that we all want to make a serious statement at the league meet and further legitimize ourselves as the competitive force in the Patriot League.
What is your favorite activity outside of your sport? I'm really into music (listening not playing), but otherwise just normal stuff-video games, books, friends, etc.
Favorite Halloween costume? Something random and creative. I think we've all had our fair share of sexy referees and Mario and Luigi couples.
Favorite midnight snack? Tortilla chips
TV show I can't stop watching: Flight of the Conchords
Song I can't stop listening to: `Party in the USA' because it never stops playing in upper Farinon. I don't want to listen to it, but it won't stop following me.
Word Association:
Lafayette: Leopards
Lafayette Athletics: Track
Track and Field: Underappreciated
Your coaches: Tough
Your teammates: Tougher
Your strength and conditioning coach: His house
Preseason: Pause squats
