20 Questions With Track & Field’s Pardon Ndhlovu
UNCPBraves.com sat down with junior distance runner Pardon Ndhlovu to learn of his opinion on a variety of topics ranging from a moment in history he would have liked to have seen to how he wants to be remembered when he leaves Pembroke. The following 20 questions are a part of a continuing feature at your official Internet home for UNCP athletics.
Ndhlovu, a Harare, Zimbabwe native, most recently accomplished one of the best performances of his career as he competed in his third-consecutive year at the historic Penn Relays to place first in the college men's 10000m championships with a time of 29:31.58 for a new personal best time. The junior has had four first-place finishes and four top-five finishes. Pardon finished first in the 800m at the UNCW Seahawk Invitational (1:52.25) and the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships (1:55.66). He also finished first at the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships in the 1500m with a time of 3:57.05 and in the 5000m at the UNCW Seahawk Invitational with a time of 14:57.89. Pardon provisionally qualified this season in the 800m and in the 10,000m run.
As a sophomore, Pardon garnered a spot on the Peach Belt Conference Honor Roll (Bronze Scholar) and was named one of the USTFCCCA all-academic honorees. He provisionally qualified for the national meet in the 5000m run at the prestigious Penn Relays with a time of 14:26.61 in which he finished third overall. He secured a first place finish in the 1500m run with a time of 3:57.98 to set a new track record and personal best along with grabbing another first place finish in the 800m run with a time of 1:52.95 for another track record and personal best at the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Meet. As a freshman, He also garnered a spot on the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll (Bronze Scholar) and set a new personal record while placing second and improving upon national qualifying with a time of 14:31.41 at the Shamrock Invitational in the 5000m run. He originally qualified for nationals at the UNF Invitational finishing second in the 5000m run with a time of 14:43.48.
20 Questions With UNCP Junior Distance Runner
Moment In History I'd Like To Have Seen: Coach Jeff Moody running his fastest 1500m run.
I Am Most Fearful Of: Snakes and frogs
As A Kid, My Sports Idol Was: Haile Gabrselassie, because he once held the world records for the 5000m run, 10000m run and marathon.
Song You Must Listen To Before A Run To Get "Pumped Up": "I Believe l Can Fly" by R Kelly.
Oddest Talent: I can run 20 miles without stopping.
Best Sit Down Restaurant: P.F. Changs
Least Favorite Conditioning Drill: Ankle taps
The Name Of The Movie About Your Life: Outracing the Odds
If You Had Your Own Energy Drink, What Would It Be Called?: P-Monster
What Do You Miss Most About Home?: My family and Zimbabwean food (Sadza), but l have found another great family here at UNCP.
Your Idea Of Perfect Happiness: Living one's life to the fullest without regrets, and fulfilling one's purpose in this lifetime.
Super Power I'd Like To Have: Invincibility
Best Non-Athletic Talent: Singing
Who Is The Best Prankster On Your Team?: My teammate Zach Bayless.
Words Or Phrases You Overuse The Most: Come'on man and bruh.
What I Love Most About UNCP?: The accessibility of everything because of the small size of the campus.
I Came To UNCP Because: I wanted an opportunity to grow athletically and fully reach my potential as well as expand my education.
My Advice To Youngsters Would Be: Never stop dreaming. If you set your mind on something, go for it and don't be afraid of making mistakes, because they are just stepping stones in preparing you for your breakthrough.
What Is One Thing You Want To Happen Before You Leave UNCP?: To become a national champion and break all records ever set by Garry Henry.
How Do You Want People At UNCP To Remember You?: As that one person who made a great and positive impact on someone's life.
