Oct. 12, 2010
Fairfax, Va. Ja-Vell Bullard enters his junior year after a great season last year. He was the anchor leg on the All-American 4x4 relay at the indoor NCAA Championships and also on the men's indoor 4x4 that set a facility record at the IC4A Championship at Boston University. He was the conference champion in the 200m and also was #10 all time at George Mason in that event. He was an NCAA Preliminary Round qualifier in the 400m and a member of the 2010 indoor and outdoor 4x4 championship team. He also competed at the outdoor NCAA Championship as part of a member of the 4x4 team there. Bullard set aside some time to answer a few questions for GoMason.com.
GoMason.com: You competed at the NCAA championships indoor and outdoor last season; what do you feel you learned from those experiences?
Bullard: I learned that my teammates and I have the ability to go to the next level and achieve greatness, but for now we want more and we strive to work harder this fall.
GoMason.com: What are your personal goals for this year?
Bullard: My personal goals are to do better than last year, bring my times down, and also contribute to the team's relay. I want to drop a second off what I ran last year. I'm willing to go through a great deal to attain these goals, because I believe pain is nothing but a distraction.
GoMason.com: What things do you feel you need to work on the most in order to improve your performance?
Bullard: To be very honest, everything. Not one thing or a certain setback, but being a better leader, and being stronger physically, spiritually, and mentally. I think futuristic, as in everything I did last year was great but let's start back from scratch and become a different Ja-Vell from last year.
GoMason.com: The Mason Men won the 2010 CAA Championships after a 15yr drought; what changes have you seen in the team since you began here that made this possible?
Bullard: Nothing but prominence. When I first came to mason I said give the team a year and we will win conference. I knew it was destined. Our team looked good from the beginning. I know we have a chance at a two-peat. We have to work hard and use CAA as a motivational tool.
GoMason.com: What does your typical offseason training involve?
Bullard: Mileage was of an importance and also lifting. I focused on my core muscles and finally my nutrition in order to stay healthy. I want to be in tip top shape and keep it that way for next year when our season begins. I believe this is my year.
GoMason.com: Who would you say you look up to the most?
Bullard: As I get older (being 20 years finally) I think I have people who I look up to but the main people are always my parents. My mother works hard to make sure I am in a good position to be successful. She loves me and I love her unconditionally and think she is the most beautiful mother ever. My father, who is my hero and mentor, has shaped me into the person I am and the man I am becoming. He makes sacrifices and serves and protects our country to provide for my mother and me.
GoMason.com: What do you like to do in your free time?
Bullard: I love to write music and make music; that's my life, especially writing poetry. I also like to play video games and hang with my friends. I like going to Fenwick library on campus and reading about various things in order to gain more knowledge.
GoMason.com: Do you have a certain song or group you listen to before an event?
Bullard: I have lots of songs I love to listen to. Before I run I listen to Nas's whole "Illmatic" album because it's 10 tracks and doesn't take long to listen to before you run. The standout track is "The World Is Yours" because I know the world is mine; I just have to get up and get it. A Tribe Called Quest is another group I listen to and maybe Mary J. Blige or Teena Marie. I know it's odd, but I just love old school music way more.
GoMason.com: Is there any special food you eat before or after an event?
I will have to say good old fashion pizza; it will never let me down.
GoMason.com: What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan on running track on the professional level, if I can achieve the goals set this upcoming season. I plan to pursue my graduate degree in Computer Game Design.
