Spotlight: Athlete of the Week

Daily Vanguard: Why did you come to Portland State?
Geronne Black: I came to PSU because I lived on the East Coast and I wanted to be different from my graduating class. So, instead of going to school on the East Coast, I decided to come to Portland State for something new. 

DV: What is your best moment on the track?
GB: At the Big Sky Conference Indoor Championship—because we had one of the smallest teams at conference and [laughing] I think I had bigger supporters than the rest of the teams.

DV: If you could change one of your sport’s rules, what would it be?
GB: I would hold a 60-meter race in the outdoor season.

DV:  What is your greatest strength?
GB: My determination. That’s the only thing that got me to where I am right now. I think the physical aspect of track can sometimes be discouraging and sometimes you might compete and not get the outcome that you want, but I think my determination and perseverance keeps me going both on and off the track. 

DV: Which is your favorite place to eat around campus?
GB: Loco Locos!

DV: What is your favorite thing to do around Portland?
GB: I like to go to the waterfront. I just go to go sometimes, just to walk—but only when it’s nice outside [laughing].

DV: What is the first item that you would buy if you won the lottery?
GB: I would probably just go to the Nike store and get one of each item!

DV: What is your most embarrassing moment on the track?
GB: I think when I was about 13, I was in the 4×100 relay. I was on the last leg, and right before the finish line my spike got caught in the track, and I got passed with only like 2 1/2 meters to go.

DV: Do you have any hidden talents?
GB: I’m very outspoken, so I don’t think anything about me is hidden. ?

DV: Do you have any nicknames? 
GB: For some reason my father and my boyfriend call me Geronimo. I hate it, but the meaning behind the word kind of symbolizes me.

DV: What is the last thing you cooked?
GB: That’s easy. BBQ ribs with mashed potatoes, broccoli and corn.

DV: If you could attend one concert or sporting event anywhere, what would it be?
GB: The Summer Olympics to see the track and field events.

DV: What has been your favorite class at Portland State?
GB: I would say it has to be Introduction to Business, because the professor was real hands-on about business, and I think it would help to know what I’m getting myself into. Whether someone’s trying to sell me something, or if I’m trying to start my own business, I would have tips from that class.

DV: What’s on your iPod right now?
GB: Jill Scott and India.Arie.

DV: Do you read the Vanguard? If so, how often?
GB: I don’t really read it regularly. I’ll check it once a week to see what’s going on. 

DV: If you could have dinner with two people from history—alive, dead, or fictional—who would they be?
GB: I would choose my grandfather, because he was my best friend. Growing up, he was actually teaching me a lot of stuff that I could use in high school and college before I even realized what he was doing. Then probably the man called Geronimo, because I would like to know more about him.

—Interview edited for brevity and clarity.