Taking his talents to Charleston

Issue date: 3/9/11 Section: Sports

Randolph Tribble, a sophomore finance major, and the men's track team celebrate after taking first place in the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track Championships Feb. 26. Tribble, who competes in the long jump and triple jump, also plays on the football team. (Kimberly Foster/The Daily Eastern News)" src="http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper309/stills/yrvs726b.jpg"> Randolph Tribble, a sophomore finance major, and the men's track team celebrate after taking first place in the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track Championships Feb. 26. Tribble, who competes in the long jump and triple jump, also plays on the football team. (Kimberly Foster/The Daily Eastern News)

While some high profile athletes prefer to take their talents to South Beach, others like to venture outside of Florida and travel somewhere with a few less beaches. Somewhere like Charleston.

Sophomore Randolph Tribble came to Charleston from Riviera Beach, Fla, hoping to impress in not one, but two Panther uniforms. Tribble is a defensive back on the Panther football team during the fall, but after the final whistle blows on the season, Tribble does not enter hibernation. Tribble also suits up as a long jumper and triple jumper for the Eastern track and field team.

An athlete in constant competition, Tribble has his routine down to a science.

"It's pretty straight forward. I lift at 7 a.m., then I go to class from 9:30 until about 2, and then it's off to track practice," Tribble said.

After a long day of studying and sports, Tribble said he likes to unwind by playing video games. Tribble said his favorites are Madden and Call of Duty.

Tribble also loves to listen to music, saying he enjoys a wide variety. Tribble said he listens to everything from hip-hop to R&B and Cajun music. Music is very influential in Tribble's athletic life. Tribble said he prepares a play list of songs to listen to each week to help in get in "the zone."

"I try to get one for every week, then I'll listen to those same 20 songs everyday," Tribble said.

Tribble said he travels back to his home state of Florida often for family functions and events. Tribble said despite Florida's nicer weather, Florida and Charleston has similar atmospheres.

Even though most of his family and friends remain in Florida, Tribble said he has still found a group of friends at Eastern, but generally likes to keep a low profile.

"I try to keep a small circle of friends and not associate myself with too many people," Tribble said.

One thing Tribble brought with him to Eastern was his love for the Miami Heat basketball team; something that he says has not always been well received in "Bulls Country."

"My girlfriend antagonizes me about it all the time, Chicago this, Chicago that. We'll see come playoff time," Tribble said.


Question & Answer
Is there anything you'd like to try or experience in your life?
Travel to Europe.

Is the glass half-full or halfempty?
Half-full.

Ever laughed so hard you cried, and if so when?
Yes, watching my teammates slip on the ice when walking from the stadium.

If you could play against any athlete in the world, who would it be?
Allen Iverson.

What sound annoys you the most?
When people grind their teeth.

Who let the dogs out?
Spoo.

Current favorite music artist?
Wiz Khalifa.


Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7944 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu