AZ 2014 Track and Field Watch List

AZ Track and Field Watch List

Margot Kelly

Feb 25, 2014

Keep checking back to see who makes the Arizona Milesplit 'Watch List" in Track and Field.

Journal Questions:

Name: Tayler Jameson (Tayler's Milesplit Profile)

High School: Red Mountain High School

Year of Graduation: 2014

Track and Field PR's:

Pole Vault: 12'4"

Long Jump: 16'8.5"

Triple Jump: 34'

4x100 Relay 51.1

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

I started track at Shepherd Junior High as a freshman. I did long and triple jump there under Coach Steiner. I came up to the high school to compete for the last three invites and qualified for state in the triple jump as a freshman.

I started pole vaulting in February of my sophomore year and was immediately hooked. So, I’ve been jumping and running for 3 years and vaulting for 2.

What is a typical training week like for you?

I train 6 days a week with a day off for recovery. My workouts include sprinting, bleachers, weight lifting, and abs. Pole vault specific work includes high bar exercises and rope vault.

What are your goals for the upcoming track season?

My goal is to jump over 13 feet this year. I want to place in state in each of the four events in which I compete. Specifically, I want to win state in pole vault. As a team I believe we can finish in the top five.

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

I prepare myself for competition by doing a lot of visualization before and during the event. I watch video of professional vaulters such as Kylie Hutson and Yelena Isinbayeva and listen to music to get in the zone and get myself pumped up.

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?

Our first meet is the beginning of March. We have a dual meet and an invite most weeks from then until State in May. I competed in Reno in pole vault in January and we’ll go to Arcadia in California in April. I’ve gone to the Great Southwest in Albuquerque for the last two years, so it’s likely I’ll do that again in June.

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

I would say to young athletes that you should do what you love and work to be the best. Don’t let an injury or obstacle get in your way. Visualize where you want to be and then work to get there. Know that it’s not easy but the rewards of achieving a personal goal are so worth it.

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

The love and support of my family who encourage and support my dreams are what drives my success.

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

My club coach Dean Starkey who I have trained with for the last 2 years is my mentor. Kylie Hutson is my role model because she is a powerful vaulter with good technical form.

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

I compete in 4 events. My favorite event and the event which takes the most practice and skill is pole vault.

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

From 5 years old until I was 10 I would sleep walk almost every night. I watched tv, made peanut butter sandwiches and rearranged my toys
All my friends are convinced that my dad is a secret agent for the CIA as he travels all over the world for work.
I’m in love with Disneyworld.

Best thing your coach ever said to you?

“That was a great plant!”

Shout Outs?

My mom for being my biggest fan in life.

Quick 6:

Favorite Pre-race Meal?

My favorite pre-race meal is gluten-free pasta or Red, White and Brew’s gluten free cheese pizza.

Favorite Winter Olympic Sport?

I love watching the snowboard halfpipe, although I’ve watched pretty much every possible event and of course I have an Olympic app on my phone!

Favorite Meet?

Chandler Rotary and Toro Relays are my favorite meets.

Cross Country or Track and Field?