Wickard named top Aggie
Utah Statesman: How do you feel about being named Athlete of the Week at USU for your performance at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships?
Justin Wickard: It’s a great privilege, because we have a lot of great athletes here. I noticed all the nominees, and in my opinion I think they deserve it, too. But just being nominated, that’s pretty cool.
US: Did you expect to do as well as you did in the MPSF Championships?
JW: I just looked at it like it was just another meet. I was just going to go in and run, and if I ran the way I could, than that’s good. But I was happy with my performance.
US: How difficult is it for you to consistently be on top in the 60-meter dash?
JW: It’s hard because you got a lot of pressure, especially as a sophomore. It’s hard because you know you have people looking at you saying that the kid leading right now [is one to beat]. I have to go out and try to do my best, and if it happens, it happens.
US: Is it difficult being one of the leaders on the team as a sophomore?
JW: No, I wouldn’t say so. Everybody on our team is treated equal, no matter what grade and what level we’re at. We all consider each other at the same level, and we’re all great athletes.
US: How will the second- and third-place finish in the indoor tournament help you in outdoor competition?
JW: I wouldn’t say it helps that much because it’s a totally different type of race. You have to look at it in a little different perspective. Getting second in indoor conference is good, and it’s just another thing I can be happy about, but outdoor’s a way different game.
US: What special rituals do you go through before a meet?
JW: I do a 15-minute hot bath then a 15-minute cold bath, and then I eat a big bowl of macaroni, and then I stretch and just go to bed. Then I do visualizations in my head.
US: When do you prefer running over walking?
JW: I’d rather drive, but I like running because it’s more physical and more demanding. Walking is helpful for you too, but I like physical activity. So I’d rather run for most things.
US: When did you first know you could really compete at the collegiate level?
JW: I’d say my senior year in high school, when I went to nationals and got ninth and also placed at a couple other national meets is when I figured I could be pretty good at the collegiate level. And then I got here and won a couple, and it helped. So I knew I was capable of this, and just kept on striving for better goals.
US: What do you do to relax in your time away from track?
JW: I sing. I like to sing, so I usually get in my car, turn up the tunes, get in my room and turn up the tunes and just sing. I’ll sing any type of music as long as it’s good stuff.
US: What is your favorite movie that involves running and why?
JW: I would say “Beyond the Limits.” It shows a runner’s dedication and work ethic. Then at the end he gets struck by a drunk driver and dies. It just shows that you can be the greatest athlete and love a sport, and be decent or good at it, but at the same time you have to cherish it every moment because it can end at any time.
–csmo@cc.usu.edu