June 4, 2007

Q&A with Ashley Morrow

Ashley Morrow has been a star on the NIU Track and Field team the past four years. Morrow won the 2006 MAC Championship in the shot put, earning a spot on the All-MAC team. She qualified for the NCAA regionals all four year, qualifying for the national championships just a week ago. The O'Fallon, Ill. native holds three school records of the five in her events.

Sports Related

Why did you decide to come to NIU?

"For the track tem and the education program."

What do you enjoy most about being an athlete at NIU?

"Meeting new people and being able to travel to different places."

What is the toughest part about being an athlete at NIU?

"Time management, being tired and lifting at 6 a.m."

What is your most memorable moment at NIU?

"Being MAC Champ and qualifying for the 2007 National Outdoor Championship."

What is your favorite road trip while at NIU?

"It has to be when it's the throwers and Coach Dave (Jennings) we goof around and have fun."

If you could accomplish just one thing while at NIU, what would it be and why?

"To give more hugs, because I love to give hugs and I give good ones."

How do you prepare for a big contest? What goes through your mind right before the competition starts?

"I listen to one song repeatedly and get pumped from that. I like to talk to other competitors and have fun."

Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career?

"My biggest inspiration would have to be my father. He always told me, that I could do anything I put my mind to. Rest In Peace Pa"

What's your favorite saying or phrase uttered by your coach?

"Be aggressive," "Kiddo," "Get after it."

How has being a student-athlete at NIU helped or changed you?

"Being an athlete has helped me be more open. It has made me feel whole and loved. Sorry if it sounds cheesy."

Non-Sports Related

What is your favorite class? What is your least favorite class?

"My favorite class would have to be COMS and least is any math class. Sorry math professors."

What is your favorite activity outside of sports? Why?

"My favorite activity is sleeping or watching movies, because it is relaxing."

Where is your favorite place to eat in DeKalb? Why?

"Egg Haven because it is great and fast."

If you could have dinner with 3 people in history, who would it be and why?

"Oprah Winfrey because she is an inspiration; Billie Holiday because of her great voice and meaningful lyrics and President Bush, I just want him to talk to me so I can try to figure him out."

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? Why?

"It would be more of a self-help book called How the Strong Survive, because I have experienced a lot in life and its made me who I am today."

Who would play you in the movie about your life? Why?

"Maybe Queen Latifah because she has a great personality and dimples."

Complete the following statements:

The song I can't stop listening to right now is... "If the Rain Must Fall," James Morrison

I am the video game champion of... "Mario Kart"

TV show I can't stop watching right now is.... "Charm School"

My favorite all-time movie is... "Gladiator, The Family Stone, Kings of Comedy and many more."

Funniest thing that's ever happened to me is... "Too many good ones to say."

The words I try to live by are... "My mom and pa would be proud