| |
Wilson is one of the top hurdlers in the nation (USCtrojans.com) |
1. At the Sun Angel Classic, you ran personal bests in both the 110 meter
hurdles (13.53) and the 400 meter hurdles (49.67). How has your training
and level of fitness been so far for the outdoor season?
My fitness level is getting better every week. It's not as good as
it could be, but it's probably the best it's ever been since I've been in
college. I need to sharpen a few things up in my short hurdles race.
2. As a two-time All-American, what are some of your goals this season as
your collegiate career is coming to a close?
My main goal is to win the NCAAs. I would also like to set out
school record, which is 13.33 by Mark Crear. I feel like that would put me
in good position at U.S. Nationals.
3. You were also slowed much of last season with an ankle injury. Are you
completely healed and do you feel slowed in any way because of it so far
this season?
No, I'm not slowed down at all by it. I don't even think about it.
4. Originally from Westerville North High in Gahanna, Ohio, what made you
decide to attend USC and how has the campus life and atmosphere treated you
so far?
I came to USC because out of all the schools I was looking at, it was
the best all-around. I wanted to be on the West Coast. My brother and his
family live out here. I knew I would enjoy Los Angeles. And I wanted to
be part of a winning tradition, and USC's got the best tradition in track
and field. As far as campus life, it's interesting going to a school in
the middle of such a large city. But I've really enjoyed the cultural
experiences it has to offer and the people I've met and the friends I've
made. It's been really great, I couldn't ask for anything more.
5. Not many people realize that you qualified for the Ohio State Track Meet
in four events (the maximum) all four years of high school - and scored in
14 of the 16 events. Looking back upon your high school career, what sticks
out in your mind as some of the best performances?
I'd say the state meet in my junior year, when I won the state meet
for my team by myself. That was really memorable, but more memorable are
some small things like catching my watch after it fell off my wrist in the
middle of a hurdles race and coming back after my blocks slipping in a
district race when they didn't restart the race. I enjoy the small things
like that. I was really lucky to be on four really talented track teams.
6. How often do you get to go back home to Ohio to visit your friends and
family?
I try to get back two times a year. Once during the summer and then
probably during the Christmas break usually.
7. Now that you have cracked the elusive 50-second barrier in the 400 meter
hurdles, what will you try to work on more to bring your time down even more
in the event?
I need to improve my fitness level and really work on evening out the
last half of the race so my steps are consistent for the last half as well
as the first half.
8. What are your thoughts and feelings about the new regional qualifying
system starting this year?
I'm not a big fan of it. I think it takes something away from good
performances during the track season and it's not conducive to any sort of
post-collegiate season, seeing as how it makes the season two weeks
longer. I also feel like there's going to be a lot of good people or relay
teams left out of competitions simply because they may be in a really
strong region.
9. How often do you get into the weight room and what specific exercises do
you feel help you out the most on the track?
I lift three times a week. It varies what I do depending on the
workload I'm going to have on the weekend. The lifts that help me the most
are probably the cleans and the squats.
10. Who are some of the people you look up to for any advice or
inspiration?
I was lucky enough to run with Felix Sanchez, who is now the World
Champ. So sometimes I ask him for advice. Also, I've had a lot of really
observant people on my team the last couple years, so I've reaped the
benefits of feedback, both negative and positive, from both current and
former Trojans.
11. Based on your knowledge of your events, what kind of advice would you
give to a young athlete in high school who wishes to participate in track
for the first time?
I'd tell them to find what they are good at first and work hard at
that, but also make sure to have fun. I feel that part of having fun is
being well rounded. So, a lot of different events are going to help you in
different areas of track and field. I also really support people
participating in as many sports as they can, because a lot of track
athletes get burned out when they are young, because they run and that's
all they do. Young people need to realize that in track and field,
longevity might be what helps you more than anything.
12. Who do you think is capable right now of breaking the 400 meter hurdle
world record?
Felix Sanchez. He's the only one I've been able to observe with the
kind of discipline and work ethic and training regimen that could do
it. But, I'm sure there's plenty of people out there.