LITTLE ROCK – This week's "Meet Your Trojans" feature is on senior hurdler
Zodani Francois, a health education and promotion major from Lauderhill, Fla., with a minor in psychology.
The Trojan track and field team will host the Little Rock Open at the Coleman Sports & Recreation Complex on April 7-8 with Trojan Tailgate and Senior Day festivities set for Saturday.
What made you decide to attend the University of Arkansas at Little Rock?
I decided to attend after junior college when I was looking for a school. I wanted the opportunity to get better. A lot of bigger schools wanted me, but Little Rock stood out because a lot of people have never heard about LIttle Rock. I wanted to help Little Rock become a better school as well as have it help me.
What is the best part of being a Trojan?
The best part about being a Trojan is wearing the uniform while competing with the team and having fun. Breaking records and just feeling that atmosphere of competing.
Who is the athlete you most admire?
David Oliver. He's a hurdler just like me. He has wide shoulders and I also have wide shoulders. Watching him compete since I was young made me want to get into hurdling. He made me want to get more aggressive and get better at my event.
What is the earliest memory you have of participating in track?
In middle school when I ran the 400. I didn't know what I was doing, so I was telling the people to slow down when they ran their race. When I went against them I just ran faster so that I could win. I kind of cheated my way out of it. I was just running trying to make sure that I could get a win.
What's the best advice you've received?
To keep striving. Never give up. Never look back, look forward. Things will go bad, but always remember it's a process before the prize. I look at quotes and read the bible a lot. I just try to look at things that make me think.
Who is your childhood hero?
My mom because she has never given up on me. Anything that I need she has always given her best to help me.
What advice would you give to children just getting started in athletics?
Pain is temporary. They'll feel pain really quick and they'll think this isn't what they want to do, and they'll want to go try something else. Know that it's fun. You've got to compete in what you do, and the prize is going to come.
What's your favorite home-cooked meal?
I eat everything except for fish. There's one thing called griot and it's a Haitian dish. It's fried plantains, chicken, lettuce and a special spice sauce.
What community service have you done since becoming a member of the Trojans?
We went to an elementary school where we helped kids with math and reading. We're about to start doing a cleanup around campus.
What does Little Rock's GRIT (Greatness, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork) mission statement mean to you?
To me Greatness is just having fun and showing your best. Showing that you're great at what you do, you're having fun, and that you're putting all of your effort into it. Respect is having respect for another person and respecting the game and what you're doing. Integrity is just being honest in what you're doing. Teamwork is just bringing another teammate along and making sure everyone is one the same level and putting in the same amount of effort.
What's the best reason people should attend your team's games?
It's going to be a show, and I'm trying to break the school record again.
