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Justin Hyytinen's Personal Best Marks
400 Meter Dash - 51.64
800 Meter Run - 2:00.22
1500 Meter Run - 4:25.98
1600 Meter Run - 4:13.83
2-Mile Run - 10:05.40
3200 Meter Run - 9:18.61
5k Cross Country - 15:49.00
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What schools did you consider for your post-high school plans?
The prospective schools that I considered were The United States Naval Academy, Southern Utah University, University of Northern Iowa, Columbia University, and the University of Minnesota.
What ultimately led you to commit to university of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
I decided on University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for several reasons. I have been a Gopher fan since the day I was born. Most Saturdays when I was younger consisted of Gopher football games. I also wanted a school that had great academic programs. I want to study some type of business, and The U's business school (Carlson School of Management) is very hard to beat! My parents and I were extremely impressed with it on my official visit. The U also provides the perfect balance for student-athletes. The resources available to student athletes are amazing! There are tutors, volunteer opportunities, and academic advisors who help you fit everything into your busy schedule. The coaching staff was another part of the decision. Coach Plasencia was one of the first coaches to call me and I connected with him right away. He bleeds maroon and gold and has coached tons of successful athletes. Of course, another part of the decision was the guys on the team. I went on my official and had a great time. They are a great group of guys and I'm excited call them teammates next year.
Has Coach Plasencia given you any indications of what event or events you might be specializing in as a collegiate athlete?
I will focus more on Mid-Distance events like the 800 and 1500/mile. I will also run cross country in the fall.
Have you identified a major or area of study?
I want to study business, but I'm not sure what my specific major will be as of right now. I'm going to take classes next year in several different aspects of business and find which one I like best.
What is your favorite high school memory as it relates to cross country and track?
My favorite memory as a HS athlete took place last spring. It was early spring and was one of the first days the track team went outside. The distance runners did a fun workout called "The Dice Game". Someone rolls the dice and the number rolled corresponds to the distance we run. The distances range from 200-600 meters and we do 10 reps at an all out pace (sprint). The last 200 meters of where we ran were uphill. The conditions were terrible! It was hailing/sleeting out and was 25 degrees. The wind was blowing straight in our faces the whole time. I remember we all were cold and miserable. After 5 reps, we rolled a 600m and everyone started laughing because of the insanity of the conditions. We ended up getting done with the workout and I remember my coach saying, "You will remember that workout for the rest of your lives!" I immediately imagined him saying that after I looked at the question.
What goals do you have for your remaining high school track season? Do you play a winter sport?
I used to play hockey. I stopped playing last year after 12 years to train in the winter. My goals for the rest of the high school season are to run under 4:04 in the 1600, enjoy my last high school season, enjoy the process of getting faster,
focus on one day at a time, do the little things right every day, and be a positive influence on my team.
What are your goals for your collegiate career?
For my collegiate career, I want to break 4 minutes in the mile, be an All-American, and win a Big 10 team title.
What advice would you pass on to an athlete trying to make their
college decision?
For athletes trying to make their college decision, I would tell them to find a place where they will be challenged academically and athletically. They need to be prepared for life after athletics. Even if you go on to compete in the Olympics, sports eventually end. More importantly, they should pick a place where they are happy. When you are happy, your grades and athletics will see the benefits. Also, athletes should listen to themselves and pick the school that is best for THEM. Along the process, I had people tell me where I should go for school and I got caught up in trying to please people with my decision. In the end I made the decision that made ME happiest and I'm proud of it!