Dec. 2, 2009

FAIRFAX, Va. - Ja-Vell Bullard burst upon the scene last season, setting a school record with a time of 33.58 seconds in the 300-meter dash during the indoor season and winning the CAA Championship in the 400-meter dash on his way to qualifying for the NCAA East Regional Championships during the outdoor season. GoMason.com recently caught up with the Hampton, Va. native as he prepared for his sophomore season indoors in 2010.

GoMason.com: After setting a new school record and recording a number of IC4A-qualifying times as a freshman, what is your goal for this year?
Bullard: My goal is to first help my team get better because together nobody can stop us. Second, drop my times in my races and even go for the school record in the 300 again. Finally, begin winning championships.

GoMason.com: After winning the CAA Championship in the 400-meter dash last season and qualifying for the regional meet, how do you hope to top your performance during this year's outdoor season?
Bullard: Mainly, to drop my time and push harder this upcoming season. I'm being looked at by many who are running the 400 so I am the new target.

GoMason.com: What is your greatest accomplishment so far in your track and field career?
Bullard: My win at the 2008 Nike Outdoor National Championships because I ran 46 seconds in the 400-meter dash and that win represented every runner in Virginia in my perspective.

GoMason.com: Do you have any pre-event rituals?
Bullard: I pray to God before anything and then sometimes listen to Nas's "The World Is Mine" because the song's meaning is that we've got to get up and get what we want. Mainly, the world is ours.

GoMason.com: Is there anyone who has been your mentor throughout your life that has influenced your running?
Bullard: Yes, my dad is my mentor. If it was not for him, I would not be running. He made me run cross country in high school and my coach told me I should join the track team. My parents gave me all the tools necessary to be successful in the classroom and on the track and it has paid off. My dad plays an instrumental part in my life and with track. He missed my entire freshman year because he was in Iraq. I am hoping this year to make him really proud of me and I can't forget the biggest fan of them all - my mom. She is my rock and is always there, influencing and encouraging me.

Charles Clark is another person who has influenced me. When I first saw him run, I thought to myself I want to be just like him. And he made the USA team this past summer, so he never ceases to amaze me. Also, my best friend Sherrard because he is a warrior/brother to me and is always in my corner telling me that I can do this.

GoMason.com: Is there any special food you eat before or after an event?
Bullard: Yes, pasta before and pizza after.

GoMason.com: What job would you want to pursue after graduation?
Bullard: I wanted to be a lawyer but I feel I might change my major to something I would enjoy like computer game design.