Another piece to the Brooks PR puzzle is Piper High School sprinter Andre Ewers. Ewers, a South Plains College signee, was the Florida 4A runner-up in both the 100 and 200 meter dash. He was also second at the Golden South Classic in the 100 meters, and finished fourth at the Dream 100 last weekend. He will compete in the 100 meter dash and brings a US#10 time and personal best of 10.31 to the Brooks PR Invitational on Saturday, June 21st in Seattle.
When did you first learn that you were invited to the Brooks PR Invite and how did your react?
Ewers: My coach, Coach Damin surprised me and then I found out online that my name was on the list. I was excited, but wasn't quite sure because I hadn't received the "tag" puzzle yet. When I fnally I received it I was happy because I heard how amazing this meet was and that it had been moved from indoor to outdoor.
What does it mean to you to be invited to the Brooks PR Invitational?
Ewers: It means a lot because from what I heard and know they invite the top athletes in the nation to compete against each other. I feel like all my extra hard work and dedication is finally paying off because at the moment I was ranked US#3 in the 100 with my 10.31.
What do you hope to achieve at the meet?
Ewers: I just hope to achieve great things like getting a new PR. I've been chasing a low 10.2 for a while, but now the goal is 10.1. With God's help and my hard work I know anything is possible.
What music do you listen to before races?
Ewers: That's simple, Eye of the Tiger. It keeps me grounded, but also builds up that fire inside of me before I run and get my game plan together.
If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
Ewers: Track spikes so I could still train, a lighter because I could always make a fire with dry woods and find stuff to cook with and Dueth Vassell who I consider as my brother. As a child back in Jamaica we always took adventures in the mountains and woods.
What would you consider as your best or most favorite race of all-time and why?
Ewers: I achieved a lot in the 100, but my favorite race of all time is the 200. I ran 21 low consistently this year and I believe there is a lot yet to come for me in that race.
What are some things un-running related people might not know about you?
Ewers: I'm musical, I give good advice, and growing up I never had a lot of support family wise. That's what made me the person I am today.
How and why did you get involved in the sport?
Ewers: When I was younger growing up in Jamaica I used to play soccer. Chasing the ball made me realize I had speed. Being the competitive person I am I got into the sport of track and field in first grade. I stopped in fifth grade, but picked it back up my freshman year. I always dreamt of getting a full scholarship and being the first in my family to go to college.
How has your training been leading up to the meet?
Ewers: Even though I had a little aggravating groin injury from Golden South, I have no excuses. My training has been smart and a little intense working on my weakness which is my start.
What are you most looking forward about your trip, race and weekend at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle?
Ewers: I'm looking forward to executing my race right, experiencing new things, and meeting new people.
