Clay Calkins was named head coach of the men's and women's track and field teams in June 2003. Since then, he has been committed to bringing in quality recruits and upgrading the track program. The Post's Josh Johnson sat down with Calkins to talk about everything from Athens to Michael Bolton.
The Post: What are your favorite and least favorite things about Athens?
Calkins: My favorite is the live music. I don't really have a least favorite thing, I love everything about Athens.
The Post: What one song would be on repeat in your personal hell?
Calkins: That's a tough one. Probably a Michael Bolton tune. Pick any of them from any of his CDs.
The Post: What would be the first three songs on your perfect CD?
Calkins: Bob Dylan's Hurricane
Don McLean's American Pie and Walk a Mile in My Shoes by Elvis Presley. That's one of my all-time favorite songs.
The Post: What is your favorite football team to root for?
Calkins: The Bobcats, baby. For pro football, I'm from Canton, Ohio, so I'm a Browns fan. They've had a rough go of it for the past 30 years or so, but I still cheer them on.
The Post: Best athlete you coached since you've been here?
Calkins: Scott Mayle on the men's side, that's a no-brainer. He's the best natural athlete I've ever coached. Jericka Duncan on the women's side. She came from a moderate athlete and she became a great athlete.
The Post: Favorite memory from college?
Calkins: The entire track and field experience are my fondest memories.
The Post: What would your last meal on earth be?
Calkins: Steak and potatoes, definitely.
The Post: If you could visit anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Calkins: Australia. It seems intriguing and it's about as far away from here as you can get.
The Post: Interests away from the track?
Calkins: I have interests that other coaches don't have; construction and auto mechanics. I like the technical fields that I don't see a lot of coaches being into.
The Post: What would you do if you weren't coaching track?
Calkins: I'd own my own construction company. My dad's brother had his own company, and I worked for him for years. Then I had my own construction company in Florida. The money's great, but that isn't why you coach. You just got to love to coach. You put so much time into it, you have to love it. 17
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