Dante White, Class of 2020 - Wayzata High School
What are all your personal records? What State Meet competitions have you been in, and what were your results?
11.01 in the 100m
22.46 in the 200m
6' 2" in the High Jump
22' 7.75 in the Long Jump
I competed at the 2018 MSHSL State Meet, placed 5th in the 4x100m and 6th in both the long jump and 4x200m.
How did you first get involved with track? Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I started off in 2nd grade, competed in Malaysia where I used to live. I moved to Minnesota in 6th grade, and started USATF and AAU in 2014. I used to play basketball, and now I just play for fun. I dabbled in a bit of soccer, but stopped playing when I moved here to focus more on track.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
My favorite meet is True Team State, because everyone has a great time cheering for each other, the mosh pit was lit and we were blasting music, dances etc, and it was great just being to able to see some of my AAU teammates that I don't see a lot in high school competitions. But my best meet I've competed at was 2015 AAU nationals, where I placed 6th in high jump and 7th in long jump earning me my first All-American medals.
What is your favorite event to compete in?
Track and field is my life, I've devoted many hours and my parents have been willing to provide funds for my training and club seasons and just being able to meet new athletes and create fun memories.
Who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
Joe Fahnbulleh of Hopkins is definitely one of my favorite athletes to compete against because he is very versatile and one of the fastest high schoolers in the country, so he pushes me hard. Ethan Peal of St. Michael-Albertville is one of my AAU teammates that I enjoy competing against as well.
What is one of your favorite memories as a track athlete?
My best track memory would have to be back in 2013 when I was competing in Malaysia. The meet was called ISAKL, and it's where all the schools in the Kuala Lumpur area competed for track and field. I was competing in the U11 age division, and I had won 5 gold medals that day (100,200,Long Jump, High Jump, 4x100) which eventually led us to win the overall meet. It was a great experience for me, my teammates and coaches. This was the first time I had felt like I competed for not just myself, but for the team, something which Wayzata Track & Field values most.
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career, and how have they helped you?
My parents/family, because they sacrificed a lot of their time to come to my meets, practices and just being able to provide funds to let me compete. Also my Coaches that have coached me since Malaysia have always pushed me to become the best I can and set goals for the future for me, and I cannot thank them enough. I would especially like to thank my club coaches Eric and Cory Mensah. They have pushed me to become the best I can and they are always there to support me.
Who might we find cheering for you at competitions?
My mom, and she is very loud!
What is a challenge you have had to face as an athlete?
Mental toughness. I've always been psyched out in big meets because there were so many athletes that have similar marks and sometimes I never was able to compete at the best of my abilities. So far I've been able to channel my fears by just staying relaxed and not worrying about who I compete against and just perform how I usually do.
What are your main goals for this track season?
Make it to State in 100m, 200m, long jump and hopefully win the long jump this year. As for marks, I want to get over 23 feet for long jump, 10.7 in the 100m, and 21.8 in the 200m.
What are you and your teammates looking forward to the most this year?
Trying to win our 7th True Team State title in a row.
Have you started thinking about post-graduation plans or possible college recruitment?
I have been emailing coaches and just trying to reach out to them, and to make sure that I'm on their radar for future recruitment
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
I take a warm bath before meets, I always eat eggs for breakfast, and I wear arm sleeves when I compete.
When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?
I like playing video games, hanging out with some friends, listening to music, and training at the gym.
What advice would you give to younger athletes, or athletes just starting out in track?
Have fun, enjoy what you're doing, and if you want to get better, you need to be committed and focused. And finally, patience is key.
Do you have any specific advice or tips for the long jump that you would like to share?
Core is very important, so work on those abs!!!! Also plyos are important.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I like to go bowling. 