Wickard named top Aggie
Utah Statesman: When did you start running and why?
Justin Wickard: When I was in seventh grade, for no real reason. I just went out for the sport and have been doing it ever since.
US: What goes through your mind just before the start of a race?
JW: I just want to go out and run a clean race and do the best that I can. I don’t really get nervous.
US: What did you think after winning three events at last weekend’s meet?
JW: I was surprised because I didn’t set out to accomplish that. So when it happened, I was overwhelmed a little bit. Winning three events wasn’t something that I thought would happen.
US: How do you feel about this year’s team?
JW: We’re really strong this year. We have a great sprinting squad which is Anthony Stewart, Dwayne Foster, Chris [Fogt] and Cedric Young. The hurdling squad is strong also: Brett Guymon, myself, Nick Seedall and Scott Bell. In that aspect, we’re really strong this year for sprints and for weights also.
US: How do you think the team will do at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation [Conference] meet?
JW: I think we’re going to do good. Everyone’s determined. We’re just going to go and run like we have been all year. Whatever happens, the coaches and team will be proud of what we’ve done as a team.
US: What made you decide to come to Utah State?
JW: The track and field program.
US: What is your major?
JW: I’m undecided, but I’m leaning towards getting a degree in sports psychology so I can be a personal trainer.
US: Where did you go to high school, and how did you do in track there?
JW: I went to Scottsbluff High School, which is in Nebraska. I was state champion in the 110-[meter hurdles] and in the 300 hurdles. I placed in four national meets in track and field.
US: How often do you train?
JW: I train Monday through Friday for about three to three and a half hours every day.
US: Being a freshman, is it hard to balance all of that training with school?
JW:At first it was, especially because I’m a freshman. Track is all year-round here, unlike high school, where it’s only in the spring. To train so long at night and then have to turn around and do all of your studies is hard, but I think I’ve adjusted OK so far.