Competing at the Next Level: Destinee Gause

Apr 19, 2013

<p> It’s been a pleasure having the opportunity to interview some of Ohio’s and the Nation’s best Cross Country and Track & Field Athletes.  Most have moved on to pursue their educations and to compete at the next level.  We reached out to our interviewee’s and asked them what their experience has been at the next level.  Many have gotten back and shared their athletic experiences to date, as well as what their expectations were, some recommendations and also the realities of competing at the next level.</p>

Destinee Gause (2012) Reynoldsburg

University of Florida (Sprints)

o   8th Adidas Dream 100 11.80
o   4 time OHSAA D1 200m Champion (09-12)
o   2012 100m OHSAA D1 Champion
o   2 time OHSAA D1 100mChampion (2011, 2012)
o   Member 2012 All time Ohio Record 4x100m Record team 45:99
o   Member 2009 All time Ohio record 4x400 Record team 3:43.83
o   2012 New Balance National Indoor Champion 200m 23.82

Ohio MileSplit: How has the transition to college been so far?

Destinee: Competing at the college level has definitely been stressful but at the same time, a lot of fun. I feel I may have underestimated it just a little bit.   Well, not just college track but balancing track & school. I mean its' pretty much a job.

Ohio MileSplit: Do you feel that you have been successful on the track as a freshman so far?

Destinee: You know, I feel I haven't had the best of luck lately on the track, BUT I've also had some good things happen. I've run my fastest times ever indoors in the 200 and 60 and I feel faster. Competing at this level is SO much more intense because everyone is just as fast as you or faster and I LOVE IT.

Ohio MileSplit: Has competing at the collegiate level taught you antything?

Destinee: It teaches me to be a better sprinter and it teaches me to stay humble. Also, I'm learning that the saying "patience is key" also applies to the world of sport. Although that is a trait I lack COMPLETELY, but now I have a lot more patience than before.

Ohio MileSplit: Have you come to any realizations about competing at the collegiate level?

Destinee: Now that I am a college track athlete, I realize there is only a thin line between professional and college levels.

Ohio MileSplit: Is there any advice you have for current high school track athletes?

Destinee: If there was anything I would tell a high school track athlete, who is thinking about competing in college, I would tell them never to expect. Expectations lead to disappointments. Just go out there and run your heart out. And ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS (as my teammate Eddie Lovett would say) STAY HUMBLE! . You can reach defeat just as fast as you can reach victory.