Jake Marzinske, Class of 2019 - Saint Croix Lutheran High School
What are all your personal records? What State Meet competitions have you been in, and what were your results?
Triple jump 46'10.5"; long jump is 22'1 ¾"; 110 hurdles 15.91; 300 hurdles 45.11. I went to the State Meet my sophomore and junior year so 2017 and 2018. Sophomore year I got 6th in the triple jump. Last year I got 9th in long jump and got 1st in the triple jump.
How did you first get involved with track, and what other sports have you done?
I first got into track in 5th grade and I have been doing track ever since. All of my sisters also did track so I thought that I would give it a try as well. I've also done cross country, soccer, basketball, bowling, and volleyball.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
The 2018 State Meet was very memorable. I beat my personal record by half a foot and also broke the school record by half a foot.
Tell me about what it was like to win the triple jump at the State Meet last year.
My initial reaction wasn't anything special. I just went up to get my medal and I was really excited, but when I got home, it all of a sudden hit me that I actually won state. I was truly amazed at what I had just accomplished, and I was so thankful for my coaches, family, friends, and for the abilities that God has given me.
Tell me a standout memory from your track career.
My freshman and sophomore year we had a practice where all the coaches were gone, so what the captains did for practice was we played games like ultimate frisbee and did fun relay-type games.
Who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
I will compete against whoever is at the meet. I just go out there to have fun.
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career, and how have they helped you?
My jumping coach, Mr. Gadison, has made me into the jumper that I am. He has given me really helpful tips and suggestions to make me better. Obviously, my family and friends have been giving me great support as well as all the other coaches.
Who might we find cheering for you at competitions?
My family will always be cheering for me, but I don't like knowing that they're there watching me so I tell them to watch from a distance. I get self-conscience when they watch me so I tell them to make sure that they are being discreet when they watch me.
What is a challenge, or challenges, you have had to face as an athlete?
I always have been careful about injuries. I haven't been badly injured yet (knock on wood), but I have had a few bumps along the way. All I needed was some time off and I was back and ready within a week. Also, this time of year is the most stressful time of the year. Practice, homework, meets, and other school-related activities get my stress levels up to a 20/10. I usually don't have time to do anything during the week, and I seem to always have something going on during the weekends. Sunday is sometimes the only day where I get to relax. At this point, I'm used to the stress and it doesn't bother me as much.
Do you have any post-graduation plans?
I am planning on going to Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato and running track down there.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
Usually every meet day, I have eggs for breakfast.
When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?
If I have nothing else to do, I will be laying down on a bed at home watching some youtube videos.
What advice would you give to younger athletes, or athletes just starting out in track?
You aren't going to be great at first. It takes lots of work and perseverance. As you keep practicing, you will get better.
Do you have any specific jumping advice or tips that you would like to share?
There is a lot more technique that goes into jumping. You can be a good jumper and be able to jump high, but if you don't have good technique, you won't get very far.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I have been taking piano lessons for 11 years.
