Indoor track and field season moves along quickly. This coming weekend Manhattan College competes at the Boston University Terrier Classic. The following weekend are the Metropolitan Indoor Championships and in mid-February it’s the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Indoor Championships. For junior sprinter Niasia Boone, it’s all part of being a student-athlete.
“Indoor season is going pretty well,” said Boone. “Everybody is excited for what is coming up. We don’t have a lot of time until MAACs.”
She added, “The thing I like most about indoor season is that everybody gets a chance to come together. We’re all in the same building. The throws aren’t far away. We’re able to cheer each other on. It brings the team together to get our team spirit rallied up.”
Boone enjoyed running as a kid and got into organized track in high school. She’s always been a sprinter, doing a bit of the 400 meters but focusing much of her attention on the 100 and 200 for outdoors and the 60 meters for indoors. At Manhattan, Boone is a member of the 4×100 relay team and also runs a leg on the 4×400 relay. She admires Olympian Allyson Felix for her versatility and ability to excel at several distances.
“With sprints you get one chance, and you’ve just got to give it all you’ve got,” Boone said. “Really, it’s all about preparation and getting your mindset ready. It’s very exciting, but you have to learn to pull your nerves together and explode out.”
Boone chose Manhattan College because the campus is very quiet, but the subway can transport you into the busyness of NYC. On the track team, she appreciates her teammates and the positive energy and vibe. A kinesiology major, Boone has earned MAAC All-Academic honors.
“I chose kinesiology because Manhattan has a pre-physical therapy track and that’s the field I plan on going into,” said Boone. “As far as dealing with school and track, I feel as though it’s helped me focus on the things I need to get done. Granted, there’s not a lot of free time, but it teaches me responsibility and time management.”
Boone is also a work-study student in the athletic communications office. She works games and events—everything from running statistics to handling a video camera. “I truly enjoy watching basketball. It’s a sport I played in high school,” said Boone, who played forward and point guard.