Jack Burt, Marshall School - Duluth Class of 2018
55m- 6.63
60m- 7.12
100m- 10.89
200m- 21.99
400m- 49.82
Give us a short biography of a younger you.
I was born on July 3rd, 2000 in San Antonio, Texas. I moved to Germany with my mother about a year after I was born for three years. I came back to St. Louis Park for kindergarten and first grade. I moved to Duluth when I was seven and have been at Marshall since sixth grade. Baseball was my first love in the sports world, but I had to pick between track and baseball for high school and I obviously chose the track. Football is still my favorite sport to play, but my high school disbanded their program after my 10th grade year. Since then, I've played soccer and basketball. I'm 5'9" and 170 pounds.
When did you know you were fast? Did you have ways to test yourself when you were younger?
As I said above, I loved baseball more than any other sport. I would hit inside the park home runs regularly and I loved playing center field. My baseball coaches told me I should consider running track so I tried it in seventh grade and haven't looked back.
What adversities have you faced as an athlete or as a person and how did you solve them?
My biggest adversary has to be myself. After races, no matter how well I do, even if it's a PR, I'll be disappointed. I will always feel that I can do better and that I always left something extra on the table. I've come to terms that I'll never be satisfied, but I have learned to enjoy success, even if only for a moment.
How have your other sports helped make you fast?
Football has been great for developing quickness and reaction time. It also helped develop my acceleration which has turned into my greatest strength.
You are just now entering your senior year and are becoming a well-known fixture at the state meet. How have things gone for you over the years there?
I've been to State for the past four years. In 8th grade I qualified in the 100m. I don't remember that year a ton because I ran most of the year in middle school meets, and the section meet was only my second or third high school meet. I know I didn't make finals that year.
As a freshman, I qualified in the 100m and 200m. I know I made finals in both of those, but finished 9th and 8th respectively. That was an exciting year because I was starting to feel comfortable running under pressure.
As a sophomore I qualified for state in the 100m, 200m, and 400m. I made finals in all of those events and placed 2nd in the 200m. I decided to run all three open sprint events because I saw Jonathan Webb do it the year before. This was my first year running the 400m.
Last year, as a junior, I qualified for all three open sprint events again. I made finals for all three and was 2nd in the 400m, 3rd in the 100m, and 4th in the 200m. Last year was by far my most disappointing season even though I had the best results. I couldn't stand the fact that I lost the 200m, my favorite event, and I felt that I didn't hit my stride all year. I never had the feeling of a perfect race. In the last race of that year, the 200m final at state, I ran a PR of 21.99 and that was after running two 100's, two 400's and a 200 over the weekend. It was a disappointing finish because it was the first time all year I dipped below 22 seconds and it came after a weekend of running.
What do you consider to be your best race? Do your coaches feel the same way about it?
I love the 200 meters. I've done the best at state and the Hamline Elite Meet in the 200. I find that I can get out to a lead and outlast most competition to the line. My coaches have all thought the same, but my mother thinks I'm best in the 400.
Who will be your toughest competitors?
At state there will be one for sure. Marlon Wiley from Jordan will be strong again this year. I know there will be others that rise up towards the end of the year. The state meet is a perfect place for everyone to PR because of the warm weather and great competition.
What competitors from the past have helped you get better as a sprinter?
The last two years I've lost my section races to eventual state champions. In 10th grade I lost to Terrance Wenzel who went on to win the 100m title. Last year I lost to Dawsen Cossalter who would become the 200m champion. They've taught me to fight through adversity, but more importantly to not take things for granted. I beat both of them before they became state champions, so it showed me that I always have to work harder.
What teammates help you in practice? How do they help you?
I have more sprinters on the team this year than I have in any previous year. A couple are Popo Perrault, Ben Wallerstein, and Dakota Oman. They are great training partners because they push me and work hard. It helps they're faster than most of my competition up north too.
What is your goal-setting routine? What do you do for mental training?
I set goals before every season. They are usually time goals and not places at State. However, because this is my last year, my number one goal is to win a State Title. Mentally, I try to relax before every race. My biggest flaw is that I tighten up towards the end of races because I hear people coming up behind me.
How do you warm up and stay warm during a typical meet in frosty Duluth?
I usually bring two pairs of pants and my big letter jacket and a hat. If it gets any colder than that the meets will usually be cancelled. As far as practice goes, I'll wear tights, sweatshirt, hat and gloves.
What are your goals for the future?
This year my main goal is to win a State Championship. As far as my career goes I'd like to attend medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.
What makes Marshall School of Duluth special compared to most other schools?
The best thing about Marshall is that it is small. I am able to talk with my coaches in-between classes and during free periods easily. I know everybody here and it's a very friendly environment.
What are your plans for after high school? Did you get a scholarship?
I will be running track for the University of Wisconsin next year. I fell in love with the campus and environment on my official visit. Their facilities are amazing and I can't wait to get started. I will be a walk-on.
Comment from Jack Burt's Head Coach -
Jack is naturally fast. However, that natural talent only gets you so far. He has had tremendous success throughout his high school career entirely because of his work ethic. He is by far the most dedicated track athlete I have ever coached. His commitment to getting better as a daily endeavor, and his knowledge and appreciation for the sport is unmatched at the high school level.
He studies the sport and digs into the technical parts of every aspect of his races. Through this, he is able to work on micro-adjustments in hopes of earning a precious hundredth of a second (0.01) in some cases. It is actually pretty amazing because we don't have a track at our school, so he doesn't get nearly as many opportunities to work on these important details as others, but arguably has one of the best starts in the state. He is a great person, competitor, and leader that deserve the success that he has had and the success that he will have in the future. - John Vallez Marshall Track and Field
