First of all, how did you first get involved with track & field?
I first got involved with track freshman year. I had played baseball through 8th grade but baseball was just too slow for me and I often found myself bored. I did track because I thought it would be a good way to stay in shape for football and basketball.
What are all your personal records?
My personal records: Long Jump: 23'0" High Jump: 6'4 100m: 11.2 Triple jump: 42'5". I hold school records in the LJ and Triple jump although I have not triple jumped since sophomore year.
I see you also ran the hurdles a lot when you were a sophomore, but not much last year. Any particular reason you stopped, or did you just find other events to do instead?
I did some hurdles as a sophomore and had potential to be really good, however there are just too many events to do everything so my junior year I stopped competing in hurdles.
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I've been playing football and basketball my entire life. Football is my passion, I played QB for Chanhassen and led the team to an undefeated regular season and an overall record of 9-1. I had 24 touchdowns and 2,000 rushing/passing yards. That football run we had this fall was very fun to be apart of. Basketball has also been a big part of my athletic career. We took 3rd in the conference this year behind Chaska and Jefferson.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
The most memorable track meet for me was AAU nationals last summer in Houston. It was the first time I ran track in the summer, my teammate Jedah Caldwell introduced me to Track Minnesota Elite. I had tons of fun meeting new people and I got a lot stronger and faster. I qualified for the National meet in 4 events. LJ HJ 100m and 4x100. My best was LJ, I won the regionals with a PR jump of 23 feet. At nationals I jumped 22'9 which got me 5th in the country! It was a great feeling to stand on the podium with the other great athletes. I had felt that all my hard work and sacrifices had paid off.
What were some of the things you found most helpful about being on a club team over the summer?
Being on a club team in the summer helped me reach my goal of 23 feet. The coaches helped me get stronger and faster and also helped with technique.
Other than your own teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
Last year it was fun to compete against Chaska. They had good relays and an outstanding Long Jumper (Joshua Prater). Him and I went back and forth all season winning the long jump at meets.
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career?
My football coaches have helped me become a better athlete and better person. I can't thank them enough for what they've done.
What are your main goals for this upcoming track season?
My main goal for this track season is to get back to the State meet in multiple events and PR and hopefully stand at the top of the podium.
I also want to break school records in the 100, 200, 400 and relays. It will be hard but I'm committed to putting in the work.
Would the 400 be a new event for you?
Yes the 400 would be a new event for me. I feel like I could be good at it because my length and determination to push myself to my limits.
(Photo provided by Alex Spillum)
Do you have any college plans?
Next year I will be attending Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. I will be playing football and I will probably jump for the track team as well.
What were some of the things that attracted you to Coastal Carolina?
When I took my official visit to Coastal I fell in love with the campus and weather. The location is right outside Myrtle Beach and I love the beach. It just seemed like the perfect fit.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
Nah, no rituals
When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?
Other than playing sports I like hang out with friends and do activities such as frisbee, ping pong, pool, darts and Xbox.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I like to wear pajamas to school. I like to be comfy.