Over the last two spring seasons, we've seen Sylvana Ross develop into a force at 400 meters. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.
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Sylvana Ross's best marks:
400 meters: 56.34
800 meters: 2:24.96
5K cross country: 19:36
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The University of Cincinnati is a long way from Colorado. Tell us a little about what led to your interest in the University of Cincinnati?
My family took a trip over the summer to Ohio and we looked at some colleges while there and I really loved the campus. Looking deeper into the track program and I realized how amazing it would be to be a Bearcat. Cincinnati has a great track program and fantastic coaches who are dedicated to making you faster. It was almost by chance that I came across Cincinnat,i and I couldn't be happier and excited that I did.
What do you plan to study while you're there?
I want to major in health sciences with a possible minor in psychology.
Which came first, cross country or the 400? And how do you feel about those very different events--do you prefer one over the other?
Cross country actually came first because I wanted to condition for lacrosse, but I ended up really enjoying running so I decided to run track instead of play lacrosse. During freshman and sophomore year of track I was training for the 800 and 4x800 with distance but I still raced the 400. When we got a new head coach during my junior year I started to focus in on the 400. I definitely fell in love with the 400 during my freshman year and I do enjoy running the 400 more than running 3.1 miles. The 400 is my passion and I look forward to track season every year.
You've been part of a Grandview track program that has gotten steadily better as you've gone through high school. Is there a special kind of excitement in the air as this season is about to begin?
We are definitely excited for our 4x4 because we came so close to being state champions last year and we are determined to win it this year. We are also only a few seconds off of a state record so we are pushing for that title as well.
Can you pick a favorite moment for us from your high school career to date?
My favorite moment has to be last year at state when our 4x4 took a close second. I know that race had the most heart and passion put into it than any other race that season. That one race brought our team closer together and now we are more determined than ever to gain a state champion title. I couldn't have asked for a better family to race with.