AZ Track and Field Watch List

Mar 25, 2013

As the 2013 Track and Field season gets underway, we will be highlighting some of the top athletes in each event.

Journal Questions:

Name: Jake Prickett

High School: Boulder Creek High School

Year of Graduation: 2013

Track and Field PR's:

1600: 4:33

3200: 9:49

When did you first get involved with track and field? How long have you been running:

Being a distance runner my first connection to track was during cross country my freshman year and I just transistioned into track when the cross season ended. Freshman cross was the first time I started running to run, instead of for other sports.

What is a typical training week like for you?

The typical training week really varies based on when the invite is that week but it usually consists of two long days, two work-out days and a pre-meet day which can vary based on the meet.

What are your goals for the upcoming track season?

I would really like to run under 9:28 for the 3200 this year and under 4:24 in the 1600.

How do you prepare yourself mentally for a race? Do you have any superstitions?

Mentally I just try to visualize, the day before, how I think the race will play out and where I want to fit into that, however.......... I know how dynamic a 3200 can be after last season so I don't try to get too locked in on a race strategy besides pushing myself and closing hard. I have a good luck light up red ring and a bracelet that I talk to and kiss before every race.

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?

I won't leave the State during the season and I am still deciding about the Great Southwest Meet after the season. Other than that I'll have an invite most weekends and will run mostly the 3200 or the 1600.

What message would you tell younger runners who aspire to be at the top?

I would tell them not to stop dreaming. I recently got into my dream school and will be competing for them next year. I gave up hope and almost made a big mistake but luckily I learned that if you work hard enough you can achieve anything you want. It truly is all about how much you are willing to put into it on and off the track. There are other important things in life you can't neglect if you want to be on top of anything.

If you had to attribute your success to one thing, what would it be?

The support that I have had around me since day 1. I have been lucky enough to beat most of the PR's of the upperclassmen my freshman year but it is only because they were there to pujsh me then and they still 110% support me even now while they are at college. They truly are some of the most supportive people ever.

Do you have role models or mentors in track and field?

Beside those upperclassmen, ever since the London games, I have really looked up to Don Cabral (as I want to run steeple chase in college) and Matt Centrowitz (because of his calm deameanor on the track and the attitude he displays while running.)

How many events do you compete in and which event is your favorite?

I have only competed in the 4x800, 1600 and 3200. I love the 4x800 because of the team atmosphere and how connected we get as a 4-man team over the year, however, I enjoy the 3200 the most since it's where I feel I can excel the most. I love when it comes down to guts at the end of a race and you might have to fight past more than just who has more speed.

What are 3 things we don't know about you?

I have multiple flight hours in a Cesna 172.

I will soon be a fully certified Rescue Diver.

I am a Military history/tactics paramour but my favorite class in school is AP Physics.

Quick 7:

Favorite Pre-race Meal?

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Favorite TV show or movie?

NCSI/Top Gun

Favorite Meet?

Sun Angel Classic

Celebrity Crush?