(Photos By Austin Monroe)
In this series we take a look at state championship and runner-up coaches, their outlook on the team, the season, and the future of the program. Coach Carmen Jackson's Miami Northwestern program has by synonomous with winning. In Jackson's 34 years at the school, 11 years as an assistant and 23 years as a head coach, the Lady Bulls have five runner up finishes and 11 state championships including their latest in 2014.
What kind of training did your team do leading up to state?
The training we did leading up to state were endurance strength and speed workouts.
The training we did leading up to state were endurance strength and speed workouts.
What chances or belief did you have in your team's chance and ability to make the podium?
Well I have changed my coaching focus since my sixth state championship. I decided to coach the athletes towards being in the position to earn scholarship by positing elite times in the sprints and elite marks in the throws and jumps.
What advice or points of emphasis did you give your team prior to the race or the week leading into the state meet?
Well as you know the past few state championships have been under inclement weather conditions which changed the focus of my team. Last year, after being notified that the weather was going to be wet, cold and windy, I met with the team and we agreed to just get through the meet with a deep focus on getting through the rounds, making sure they made the finals. Last year, we kept the same focus. It was unfortunate that athletes had to compete in that type of weather. Athletes work hard all year and to get to the state meet and have to deal with bad weather it sad especially for seniors.
Well as you know the past few state championships have been under inclement weather conditions which changed the focus of my team. Last year, after being notified that the weather was going to be wet, cold and windy, I met with the team and we agreed to just get through the meet with a deep focus on getting through the rounds, making sure they made the finals. Last year, we kept the same focus. It was unfortunate that athletes had to compete in that type of weather. Athletes work hard all year and to get to the state meet and have to deal with bad weather it sad especially for seniors.
What was the game plan for state and how do you feel your team executed it?
The plan was executed well as to be expected. Some of my athletes did not perform at their best and were in the finals, but finished low in the scoring.
The plan was executed well as to be expected. Some of my athletes did not perform at their best and were in the finals, but finished low in the scoring.
Who do you feel really stepped up individually the most for the team at the state meet? 
My throwers Lloydrica Cameron, Jontavia Dykes, and Akassja White really stepped up, as they have been the backbone of this year’s team. They brought in 48 points going 1-2-3 most meets when three entries were allowed.
My throwers Lloydrica Cameron, Jontavia Dykes, and Akassja White really stepped up, as they have been the backbone of this year’s team. They brought in 48 points going 1-2-3 most meets when three entries were allowed.
What were the biggest challenges for this year's team?
The biggest challenges were getting my under classmen to believe and adjust to the workouts throughout the year.
The biggest challenges were getting my under classmen to believe and adjust to the workouts throughout the year.
Were there any low points in the season?
The low points of the season were nursing little nagging injuries. (shins, groins, etc.)
Was there a particular race, workout, or moment that you knew that your team was ready or had the potential to become state champions?
Throughout the season competing at difference meets, lead me to believe we were on the championship path. There were some area that should have been developed into the elite status, but it never materialized (jumps)
How would you best describe the group of kids that you coach?
This team was one the best overall team in terms of talent. Out of seventeen events we were able to compete in 14 events in every invitational. We were full of elite depth in the sprints and hurdles. At times I split the team and we competed in two different meets on the same weekend. This gave some of my other athletes the opportunity to compete and showcase their talents. This was the solution to run more athletes when the entries were limited to two.
What role do your assistant coaches play with the program?
I’ve always had the best assistant coaches ever. Each of them brought their expertise to the table. This gave each group the opportunity to be coached with real attention in their events. We all have the same philosophy “coach every athlete”, knowing this is the vehicle we used to open doors to send them to college.
What would be the best way to describe your coaching style?
Firm, committed, focused, and a big dreamer for the team.
Who were the leaders on your team and what was the importance to the squad?
I really truly never declared a leader on the team. There were so much of them being buddy buddy with each other no one really wanted to take on that role. I had to talk about and demonstrate what leadership meant to any team and how having one would take the team to another level of commitment.
Who was the biggest individual surprise or runner that most impressed you with their improvements this year?
The biggest improvement came from Lennisha Gilbert, who gave us nothing last year. I asked her in the beginning of the year what made her change her practice habits and her new commitment to track. She responded by saying she wanted more attention from me and to become more respected in the sport so she could be considered for a scholarship. Her improvement begun in cross country running a PR of 21:48 and from there into track season where she opened up in the 400m with a time of 56.87 and a split of 2:15 on the 4x800m relay.
How would this team rank against some of the past teams that you coached?
I would rank this team in the top three because of the true depth I had this past year.
Every state championship team seems to have a special or unique makeup that makes them state champions. What were some of those characteristics of this year's team?
The team was well put together and strategically placed in the various events with a lot of true depth in most of the events.
What are your expectations for next year's team?
Always working toward elite development in their events and work towards team building that would put them in championship mode, creating an environment to win.