Leading up to the 2013 Mason track & field season, we will be giving fans an opportunity to get to know a student-athlete on the team.

This week we talked with Crystalyne Clark as she prepares for her senior season with the Patriots. During the 2012 outdoor season, Clark competed in the 100m, 200m and long jump, posting the top team time in the 100m and the second-best time in the 200m and qualifying for the ECAC Championships in the 100m and 200m. Her top meet performance of the season came at the Baylor University Michael Johnson Invitational, as she set personal records in the 100m (11.86) and long jump (5.21m). At the CAA Championships, she helped the 4x100m relay to a second-place finish and an ECAC qualifying time.

Be sure to check back next week as we meet another Mason T&F athlete.

Name: Crystalyne Jenee' Clark
Year in School: Senior
Events: Short sprints: 60, 100, 200, relays
Nicknames: Crystal

-What attracted you to Mason?
The diversity of the school and how welcoming the team was when I came on my recruiting trip and the campus is pretty.

-When did you start running track?
In the 7th grade

-What is your favorite thing about track?
Track meets; I'm a competitor and somewhat of a sore loser

-What track memory stands out the most for you?
My junior year in high school (2008); winning the 4x100m (45.17) and 4x200m (136.17) relays at the Texas state track meet and breaking the records. Those records still stand today. Though I did not accomplish that individually my teammates and I at the time were really close and worked hard together all year and that was just the icing on the cake.

-What is your major, and what are your plans after graduation?
Psychology and a minor in African and African American studies. I plan to go back home (Texas) and get certified as a secondary teacher in either English or mathematics. Then I plan on teaching 6th grade or higher and coaching volleyball and track and obtaining my masters in educational counseling, then go into that field.

-What are your goals for the upcoming season?
STAYING HEALTHY! I cannot stress that enough. It always seems like when I am about to reach my peak I end up getting hurt and falling behind. I always run my fastest times of the season a week or two before CAAs, and then I hurt something.

-What does your typical off-season training consist of?
A lot of strength and cardio.

-What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
The 100m. It has always been my favorite event. It is not too long and not too short. It is one of the races that even if you mess up just a little bit at the start you still have a little bit of time to try and fix it, unlike the 60.

-What was your biggest accomplishment last season?
The 100m at the Texas meet at Baylor. I won the college section with my best 100m time of the season. I think it was a combination of being home and my friends and family being there to support and cheer me on; and my coaches of course.

-You recorded personal-bests in the 100m and long jump last season, how do you build on that success for the upcoming 2013 season?
Staying healthy. If I hadn't gotten hurt after the Texas meet, I believe I would have run faster than that at CAAs and ECACs.

Quick Facts
-What is the last song you played on your iPod?
I don't remember but more than likely it was a Beyonce song

-Who is your biggest role model?
I can't say that I have one. It would be a combination of my mother and grandmother, two of my middle school coaches, and two of my high school coaches; they have all taught me something in their own way. My coaches have all made me want to one day have an athlete to see me the way that I see them. 

-Who is your favorite track athlete?
Sanya Richards-Ross

-What is your favorite food?
Weird but, popcorn and pickles...together.

-Do you have any superstitions/pre-event rituals?
Listen to music, warm up good, drink a little water, pray, do my block ritual and just run...it has to be in that order

-Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you ...
I love hello kitty