Geneseo is full of bright students and faculty who make up the campus we all love and adore. This week, The Lamron had the opportunity to interview one of Geneseo’s most well-rounded individuals: track athlete junior Joseph Miranda.
Many of you may already know Miranda from his charismatic personality and infectious smile, or maybe you’ve had the chance to share a class with the business administration major. Nonetheless, this popular Kappa Sigma brother has made his mark on Geneseo athletics, Greek life and everyone that has had the pleasure of knowing him.
Since taking up running in the ninth grade for his high school team in Flushing, N.Y., Miranda has had a long career of knowing what it takes to be a track athlete. He currently competes on Geneseo’s track and field team in the long jump, triple jump and high jump.
I was able to sit down with Miranda for a Q&A regarding his athletic career, endeavors and personal life.
Why did you decide to run track?
“My parents didn’t want me to play baseball anymore, so I decided to join the track team because they seemed like a cool group of guys that had a lot of fun.”
Through the years, have you had a track moment that really resides with you since you began running?
“My fondest memory of running track would have to be SUNYAC’s for this past indoor season. I jumped a new PR in triple jump at 42 feet, four inches (12.92m) while having so many of my teammates cheering me on. Also, this was the first time the men’s track team broke 200 points at the conference championship.”
Do you have any future goals/ achievements regarding the sport you would like to accomplish?
“My future goals in the next two years here at Geneseo are to qualify for our regional meet (All-Atlantic Region Track and Field Conference) and to score at SUNYAC’s. I also would want to jump 45 feet in triple jump.”
Do you have a favorite Olympic track athlete?
“My favorite professional track athlete is Christian Taylor. He is a triple jumper from the U.S., and he holds the second-farthest triple jump in history.”
How difficult is it to juggle between being a varsity athlete and fraternal organization member?
“It was difficult juggling being a varsity athlete and a fraternal organization member at first because I was so invested in both that I didn’t make time for anything else. Once I figured out my time management and what was really important, it has been easy being able to do both while hanging out with friends and making sure school comes first.”
What’s your favorite part of being a student here at Geneseo?
“The environment of Geneseo and how friendly everyone is has to be my favorite part, seeing all my friends on campus while I’m walking to class makes my day.”
To see Miranda compete in his next track and field event, you can catch him at Geneseo’s Early Season Invitational on March 27 and 28. Be sure to go out and support Miranda and the rest of the Geneseo track team!u