On Wednesday, April 15, 2015, Cheltenham seniors Nicole Burke and Janiel Slowly were recognized at a special news conference for signing letters of intent to compete in track at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery by clicking on the following link: http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/g/141515_signings_3_mjs
Nicole Burke – Morgan State University (Track)
Major: Accounting
Final list of colleges: Morgan State, Hampton
Reasons for choosing Morgan State: “When I went on my first visit, I loved everything about it. The school is in the process of rebuilding – everything is brand new. They’re opening a new school of business, and the track team is a developing one. The coach is a three-time Olympian, and that really persuaded me to go there.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track at the collegiate level? “I came about the decision last year that I wanted to run in college. I started getting letters, and all this hard work – I didn’t want it to be put to waste.”
Coach Kelly Jensen says: “Nicole has overcome a lot of adversity the last couple of years, and it caused her not to be able to run last year. She wanted to come back with a vengeance this year, and she did it. What’s really important is – she leads off our relays, and she sets the tone. Our relay finished third at nationals, they won the state meet. They won the 4x2 and set a new record. She sets the tone for the other girls, and they run for each other. They have such a nice chemistry, and Nicole contributes to that. Chemistry is so important in relays. This spring she blossomed as a 400-meter runner. She’s healthy now, she’s excited. She’s overcome a lot, and she’s a really strong person because of that.”
About Nicole:
Favorite food: Shrimp Fried Rice with 5 Wings
Favorite movie: Lottery Ticket
Favorite music: R&B
Janiel Slowly – Bucknell University (Track)
Major: English & Education Law
Final list of colleges: Bucknell, Boston University, Lehigh, Howard, Pitt
Reasons for choosing Bucknell: “The number one thing that made me choose Bucknell was their academics first and foremost. My coach - Bucknell is his alma mater, and he was speaking very highly of it, so I did the research, and I also ended up falling in love with the college and their English program. Their amazing track team was another added bonus to the entire decision-making process, so I really did like the entire package and the fact that it was really community based and it was a liberal arts school. It was great.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track at the collegiate level? “I never saw myself as an athletic individual. As my senior year came up, I didn’t really see track as an opportunity. I saw more of an academic opportunity, but when I spoke to my coaches, we spoke a lot about my future as a track athlete. I realized I do have the athletic talent to be somewhat of a competitive college athlete. I thought long and hard about it. There are a lot of pros and cons to be weighed out before taking the athletic route for college, but I did end up saying, - this is something I love doing in high school, and I will continue to love it in my adult years, so I just continued with it.”
Coach Kelly Jensen says: “Where do I start with Janiel? She’s such a great young woman. She was a team captain, she works hard at everything she does, and she sets the tone in terms of the whole team. She’s the last one to leave the weight room. She has balance – she balances academic with her personal life and track, and she manages it. She really is a great example for the other girls.
“Janiel is a person I’ve seen grow and develop over four years into a really mature person. I think that’s what I’m proud of is how she’s kept things balanced and focused on the important things – academics and involvement in the school. I can’t say enough about her.
“Janiel comes from great parents who have really guided her and worked really hard. Mrs. Burke has been with (Nicole) all along and stuck by her. I’m proud of both Janiel and Nicole. I’m going to miss them. They’re just good kids to be around.”
About Janiel:
Favorite food: Jamaican Beef Patties
Favorite movie: Shutter Island
Favorite music: D’Angelo
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