Bobby Most of Texas Tech

Most recently won the pole vault title at the Texas Relays (Robert Most)

1. You recently won the pole vault title at the Texas Relays with an elevation of 18-feet, 0.5-inches. You also beat out the 2003 indoor national champion, Washington's Brad Walker, who also cleared 18'-0.5" but on more misses. How did it feel to win such at such a prestigious meet along with clearing 18-feet?

Well, it was kind of overwhelming. I knew it was going to be a really tough competition and I would have to have a good day to be able to compete with a lot of these guys. After rushing through warm-ups, I tried to settle down and catch my breath and focus on the job I needed to do. I tried to think of this meet as any other and to just go out there and have fun. Every one of those guys had it in them to surpass 18-feet and Brad cleared it on his last attempt. I was thinking it was interesting for me to have the lead going into 18'4" ½. I knew if we both missed, I would win on misses. I had a couple of decent attempts at it, as did Brad, but in the end neither of us cleared it and I was happy to take the victory. Without the competitive spirit in both of us, I'm not sure what the outcome would have of been.

2. Also a national qualifier in the pole vault as a freshman last year at Southwest Texas, this is your first year at Texas Tech after transferring. How has the transition been for you and what are you most looking forward to this season?

The transfer has been interesting. I was so eager to move up here and meet new people and to train in a new atmosphere. For me, change is always welcomed and exciting (not saying I want to change every year). It was sad leaving behind a great team at SWT and a lot of good friends, but I was anxious to move on. I'm looking forward to a lot of things this season. Most intriguing to me is my training and seeing how it will pay off in the end. I look forward to meeting new people, seeing new sites, and competing in some big competitions.

3. As the top ranked high school vaulter in 2001 with a best of 17'-8", you earned All-American honors from Adidas, Nike, Track and Field News and Dyestat.com. Looking back upon your high school career, what accomplishment or honor sticks out the most in your mind?

That's a tough one. Most memorable would probably be my win at the 5-A State Championships. It was a long road of hard work and disappointments, but in the end it was all worth it. It was the best feeling to win in front of family members and friends. My personal record of 17'8" at the Golden West Invitational is a close second. It was my biggest improvement in one meet and it all happened so quickly. I kind of didn't know what to think after it was over.

4. Both of your parents were athletes at Central Arizona College where your father played baseball and your mother lettered in three sports; volleyball, basketball and softball. How much of an influence have your parents had on you in regards to your success and achievements at the high school and collegiate levels so far?

I guess you can say this is where I get my competitive spirit. Being the child of two athletes, I was always encouraged and supported in any sport I played. They both taught me the meaning of responsibility, sportsmanship, and respect. I look up to them so much and can't even imagine where I'd be if they hadn't have played such an important role in my life.

5. Earning All-American indoors as well, you suffered a minor injury to your leg during one of your attempts in which you could have finished higher and in turn did not want to risk missing the outdoor season. How has your leg been feeling since that day and what have you done, in any way, to make sure this doesn't happen again?

It wasn't the first time this had happened. There was a similar instance earlier on in the season and I took the same precautions. I weighed my options and knew one more jump wasn't worth a whole outdoor season. I know I made the right choice, which guaranteed me at least a chance to begin a new season. After Indoor nationals, I took off a week with very little activity involved. I chose to skip the first two meets of the outdoor season and open up at Texas Relays. In the weeks prior to the Relays, I rehabbed religiously and took it slowly, making sure not to put too much stress on it too early. It felt good after Texas Relays, but for the rest of the season, I will continue to rehab and train at a tolerable pace.

There is no telling just how high Most can go this season (Robert Most)

6. At 6-4, you are one of the more taller pole vaulters in the country today. Is there anything you had to adjust during your final approach when you first started getting into the event or did it all come natural?

Well, fortunately that is something I just have to work with. I couldn't plan that out, but being tall does have its advantages. However, I'd be the first to admit that I'm not using it to my full advantage, but I'm working on it! You would know what I mean if you've seen me jump.

7. You were also a two-sport athlete in high school as you also competed in baseball in the spring along with track. How did you manage to juggle both sports around at the same time?

It was very tough. A lot of controversy arose from it as well, but I slugged it out for one season. It killed me to have to give up a sport a truly loved and grew up with, but I knew I needed to make a decision. I weighed my options and knew pole vaulting had a better chance to send me to college, so that is what I dedicated my last three years of high school to.

8. What are some of your ultimate goals you would like to reach to fulfill your collegiate career?

There are a few goals that I would like to accomplish while in college. I would love to win a national championship, both indoors and out. I set this one goal at the beginning of my freshman year of college. It was to clear 19-feet before I graduated. I know that's way up there but it keeps me motivated to train hard, but also helps me keep a positive/realistic attitude.

9. Describe the experience and atmosphere of competing at the NCAA Championships.

It's like no other meet I've been to. The best of the best are there and anybody could win. The tight competition builds up so much adrenaline that this is where I have the most fun vaulting. The atmosphere is unbelievable. I feel satisfied with my vaulting if I can qualify for the national meet, so every season I strive for the opportunity to have that experience one more time.

10. What specific lifts do you work on in the weight room along with any plyometric activities that help you out the most when you vault?

It's really a combination of different exercises and activities. I enjoy platform lifts in the weight room. They're quick and explosive, much like pole vaulting. We do gymnastics and sprint work twice a week, and plyometrics once a week. This is a time where all the vaulters get quality work in and have a lot of fun. We seem to turn every drill or exercise we do into a mini competition.

11. How do you spend your free time and what do you enjoy the most when you are away from the track?

Free time is always great. I find myself sleeping, A LOT! When I'm away from the track I enjoy hanging out with friends, listening to bands play, go to the movies, and really, just relax. I also enjoy spending time online, watching the latest reality TV shows, and keeping up with current events around the world.