JUMP TEXAS MAGAZINE

RYNELL PARSON

SAN ANTONIO — John Paul Stevens HS sophomore Rynell Parson, fittingly, has a Falcon as a school mascot. During the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games in Norfolk, last summer, he flew 21.05 seconds in the 200-meter semis. This year, under the tutelage of Coach Willie Davis of the San Antonio Blazers Track Club and with the support of the Parson family, Rynell — one of the most GOOGLED youth athletes in cyberspace — is looking forward to another season of high-flying action in the fast lane.


JUMP TEXAS: Congratulations on your spectacular track season. Running 21.05 with a legal 1.6 wind during the semifinals of the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games in Norfolk, Virginia, was quite an accomplishment, especially considering the 110-plus-degree temperatures on the track. Take readers through that race, from the starting blocks to the finish line.

RYNELL: It was extremely hot. I just wanted to make the finals. Warming up before the blocks, I tried to remember everything my coach — Willie Davis from the San Antonio Blazers Track Club — taught me. I prayed, got in the blocks, took a deep breath and took off when the gun went off. At the end of the race, I looked at the clock and was a little disappointed because I was trying to run under 21.0 — but I made it to the finals.

JUMP TEXAS: Were you pleased to walk away with a new personal record and, after the finals, a gold medal in the 200 meters?

RYNELL: Yes, I was pleased.

JUMP TEXAS: You placed yourself in the historical company of elite age-group sprinters, namely former Olympian Quincy Watts, who ran 20.97 as a 15-year-old to set a national, age-group record in the half-lap. Describe the feeling of being amongst the greats at such a young age.

RYNELL: I was shocked and grateful.

JUMP TEXAS: When and how did you first become involved in track and field?

RYNELL: Well, my Mom Sondra Parson and my Aunt Cindy Mckinley were sprinters in high school. They kept me interested in running. They and my dad Roger Parson are my biggest fans, but my cousin Candace Mckinley inspired me, (too). She ran track all four years in high school. For five summers with AAU, she ran unattached as a multi-eventer. Because of her hard work and determination, she received a full academic/athletic scholarship to Dayton Ohio University. She was their first multi-eventer. She graduates May 2007. When it comes to education and sports, were alot alike. My first track meet was in middle school, in the seventh grade. In the eighth grade, I broke two 22-yr-old records at our district meet in the 200 meters and 100 meters. It was alot of fun.

JUMP TEXAS: You're the first high school boy sprinter interviewed by Jump Texas online magablog. This being an online magazine dedicated primarily to jumpers, however, the question must be asked: Have you ever pole vaulted, long, triple and/or high jumped and, if so, do you have any plans to pursue jumping in the future?

RYNELL: In the summer of my seventh grade year for AAU, I long jumped. My longest jump was around 19 feet, but my main focus is sprinting.

JUMP TEXAS: What do you think about what Rynell has accomplished to this point in his track and field career?

MRS. PARSON: We're extremely proud of Rynell. He's always been a goal-oriented child. Once he sets his heart and mind to something, he gives 110% to accomplish that goal. Even though his times in Norfolk weren't what he was shooting for, bringing the gold home was what he was shooting for. As I said, 'We're extremely proud of him.'

JUMP TEXAS: Rynell garnered attention on every major track chat room in the country and, thanks to the Internet, traveled across the world and became the center figure of conversations in other countries. How does it feel to have your son giving new life to discussions about the direction and next generation of track stars from the United States?

MRS. PARSON: The attention is kinda of strange, but exciting in some cases. He's actually very humble. He knows everything has a season, and he hopes to improve during each race. I'm not sure if he's aware, but I google his name sometimes, to see what's being said. Some of it's hard to swallow, but most of the comments are encouraging. I'm glad he's humble and prayed up.

JUMP TEXAS: How has training been going since the AAU Games?

MRS. PARSON: Actually, his real hard training started after football season. He's a runner who played football for his high school. It was their first year as a varsity team. I'm glad it's over. My nerve's were bad at every game. We're looking forward to indoor season. Rynell (works out) with coach Willie three to four times a week, and on other days he's working out on his own.
Jump Texas: Which track meet will be your first during the upcoming season and what can track fans expect this year?

RYNELL: Indoor track season starts January 2007. My first meet is at LSU: January 5 and 6. I pray for improvement everytime I run.

JUMP TEXAS: Ending on an upbeat note, could you offer a few positive words to other athletes, who may be training to compete this year in the sprints and/or jumps?

RYNELL: Never give up. Keep reaching for goals. Dedication and hard work can help more than you know. Ultimately, stay humble and in prayer, because everything has a season. Thanks for the interview. Have a great holiday season and a blessed New Year.