Photo by Tim Hacker/East Valley Tribune
As the 2013 Track and Field season gets underway, we will be highlighting some of the top athletes in each event.
Journal Questions:
Name: Chase Walsh
High School: Brophy College Prep
Year of Graduation: 2013
Track and Field PR's:
Pole Vault - 16'5"
When did you first get involved with track and field? How long have you been running:
I’ve been pole vaulting since my freshman year in high school.
What is a typical training week like for you?
I will usually do some sort of training every day but Sunday. I will vault two days a week and run or lift every other day.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season?
This season I hope to break the state record of 17’4”. This was set by my coach, Nick Hysong.
How do you prepare yourself mentally for a race? Do you have any superstitions?
Before every meet, the varsity pole vaulters will eat lunch at Subway. If I am on my third attempt on a bar, I always re-adjust my socks so they are tight on my calves.
What does your season look like and will you be competing in any out of state track meets during the season or post high school season?
This year I competed indoors, travelling to Reno, Nevada and the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Brophy is travelling to Arcadia, California and Mt. Sacs this year. During the summer I will travel to California for a few more meets. I have also qualified for Junior Nationals in Des Moines, Indiana.
What message would you tell younger runners who aspire to be at the top?
Hard work pays off, every time you chose not to finish a repetition, or give it your all in a running workout, your competitor gets stronger and faster than you.
If you had to attribute your success to one thing, what would it be?
Great Coaching.
Do you have role models or mentors in track and field?
I don’t aspire to be anyone but myself.
How many events do you compete in and which event is your favorite?
I usually only compete in the Pole Vault, but this year I’ve been asked to compete in sprint relays and the long jump. Sprinting hurts and long jump makes you sandy. Pole Vault is my favorite.
What are 3 things we don't know about you?
The only time I will talk while competing is when I am in the air.
I’ve never been injured from pole vault.
I never wear spikes unless I am running from my long approach.
Quick 7:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
Roast beef, sandwich with banana peppers.
Favorite TV show or movie?
Drive
Favorite Meet?
AMDG Invite
Celebrity Crush?
Jennifer Lawrence
Perfect temperature to compete in?
The colder, the better.
Favorite song?
Nature Feels by Frank Ocean
Favorite quote?
"Never apologize and never explain -- it’s a sign of weakness.” - John Wayne