AZ 2014 Track and Field Watch List

AZ Track and Field Watch List

Margot Kelly

Mar 18, 2014

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

Journal Questions:

Name: Will Hooper (Will's Milesplit Profile)

High School: Moon Valley High School

Year of Graduation: 2014

Track and Field PR's:

Pole Vault - 15'8" (4.77m)

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

I started track in 6th grade and I'm entering my 7th year in the sport, and I'm entering my 5th year pole vaulting.

What is a typical training week like for you?

A typical training week for me is about 2 full vault sessions a week. 1-2 technique sessions, and 1 running workout a week. Also, I spend about 8-10 hours a week in the gym on each muscle group. And about 2 of those hours are spent working on explosive lifts.

What are your goals for the upcoming track season?

I've been working really hard to jump 5 meters, and I had a shot last year, but I tore the labrum in my right shoulder in two separate spots at the end of the season and had to have shoulder surgery in July.

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

To prepare for meets I always have Italian food the night before. And the day of I stay positive and think of all the best circumstances to jump in and just relax all day. I'm very superstitious. I have to put my shoes on in a certain order, and I have to untie them and re-tie them after every jump once the bar goes up, just to name a few.

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've got a good season planned up ahead. I'm going to jump at Mt. Sac for the second year in a row, and if I clear 5 meters I'm going to compete in the Juniors meet and also Junior Olympic Nationals. And as long as I stay healthy, I'm going to jump with Arizona State University next year!

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

I'd tell runner that want to be the best to just work hard. If you don't leave practice everyday wanting to throw up, you didn't practice hard enough.

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

My success is from hard work. I can't tell you how many night I've gone with less than 6 hours of sleep just to get an extra workout in, or how many times I've thrown up after workouts/practice.

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

My coach would definitely be my mentor. He's given me so many opportunities to be successful and be the best I can be. I wouldn't be where I am without him.

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

I just compete in pole vault, even though I started out as a decathlete. So, pole vault is my favorite.

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