Sept. 28, 2005

FT. WORTH, Texas -- This week's Q&A features TCU sprinter Otis McDaniel. The two-sport student-athlete hails from San Antonio, Texas, and also competes in football.

McDaniel, who will play a pivotal role for TCU and second-year head coach Darryl Anderson, captured a pair of gold medals in August at the Pan American Junior Championships in Windsor, Canada. The 6-0 sprinter won the 200-meters with a 20.67 clocking and helped his U.S. team claim the 4x100 relay event in 39.36.

The following is a list of questions and answers from McDaniel.

Q. Tell us about your experience at the Pan Am Junior Championships last month.

A. One word that I can think of to describe my experience at the Pan Am Junior is excellent. I got to compete against the best in the United States and in the world. It was great to be a part of that.

Q. What separated TCU from the other schools (Purdue, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Texas Tech) that expressed interest you?

A. TCU has one of the best football and track programs in the nation. Also, I wanted to be close to home and felt that TCU has more of a family atmosphere here than the other schools I visited.

Q. Do feel any pressure (or the need) to succeed even more than what you've already accomplished?

A. I feel no pressure to succeed even more from this point. The only pressure that I feel will come from myself. I push myself to be the best that I can be. People can pressure you all they want, but it all comes down to you and what you can handle mentally and physically.

Q. Why did you choose to continue both football and track in college when you're on a football scholarship?

A. I love to run and prefer to stay busy. I love both sports and they provide an outlet to release my energy.

Q. What do you like about Coach Anderson?

A. He's actually my first college track coach. He has taught me a lot about track and life. He's there as a friend and helps me to be the best that I can.

Q. When you're not practicing on the football or track fields, what do you do in your spare time?

A. I'm usually studying for school or working on my computer.

Q. Who has been your biggest influence in life?

A. Definitely my mother. Also, my best friend Jessica and godbrother Marques. They're always there to support and encourage me, keep me humble and help me make the right decisions.