CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Kimone Hewitt (Orange County, Calif., Segerstram High School) of the women's cross country team has been named the female InterCon Student-Athlete of the Month for her successes during the month of November.
Hewitt did not skip a beat after October ended due to the big meets coming up in November. She entered the Conference Carolinas Championship as a favorite to win and that she did. Hewitt crossed the finish line first setting a new course record and breaking the Conference Carolinas 5,000- meter record with her time of 17:59.9. Hewitt's efforts made her the first female Queens athlete to win a Conference Carolinas individual title as well. Her performance helped lead the Royals to repeat their championship finish last year making them the 2010 Conference Carolinas champions with an impressive team low score of 20 points. Hewitt was also named to the All-Conference First Team afterwards.
Next the Royals hosted the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships where Hewitt led her team to yet another first place finish. The first place finish was the first regional win for the Royals in school history. With the win, Queens earned their second bid to the NCAA National Championships. Hewitt was the second place runner in the 6,000-meter race with a time of 21:32.1. She was named to the NCAA Southeast All-Region Team and the Royals were nationally ranked 13th after the race.
In the NCAA National Championships Hewitt was named an All-American after finishing 33rd.
"Kimone exemplifies the seriousness and the dedication of our entire women's team,” said Head Coach Scott Simmons. “Kimone's positive attitude, and that of her teammates, has made this one of the most enjoyable group of runners I have ever coached."
Members of the Sports Information office caught up with Hewitt to ask a few new questions this time around.
Q: Can you talk about your Conference Carolinas win?
A: Going in to the race I was very nervous because a few days before the race my IT-Band was giving me a hard time, which prevented me from practicing, But missing practice, didn't prevent me from going out there and giving it my best. I am a very competitive person I wanted to know and feel that when I cross the finish line I give it my all. I try to run a smart race by not pushing too hard and at the same time not holding back. So by running a smart race I was able to finish strong and win the conference title.
Q: How does it feel to be the conference Athlete of the Year?
A: It feels great to win the conference Athlete of the Year. Winning this title not only shows that my hard work and dedication is paying off, but it also shows that there are other people out there that recognized what I am doing.
Q: You helped Queens win the SE Region Title by coming in second place, what is something from that race you will remember most?
A: The part I remember the most was the second time going up the hill I keep reminding myself once you get up the hill it will be all downhill.
Q: How did you train differently from the league championship, as the races are different lengths?
A: It didn't change that much, the last few workouts were faster and shorter.
Q: What is something that most people won't know about you?
A: What I am thinking about, and that I choose my friends wisely. I don't consider everyone my friend because I exchange a few words with them.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what?
A: No, I don't
