State Champion spotlight: Ezra Chapola (Deering HS)
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
Leading up to the state meet I just wanted to make sure I had the energy I needed. I ate right and kept hydrated. It was also really that I kept loose through the week
How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
I think dealing with the pressure and emotions is just something you get used to. The state meet is another meet. Anything can happen. You can have a good or bad day. So for me it comes down to just competing like normal.
You set a new personal best to win the triple jump and jumped over 42 feet on every jump. Talk about the competition, and what allowed you to jump so well?
The competition was very intense. I knew that I had to do well right off the bat to really stand a chance. I was lucky to really find the board that day and tried emphasizing my second phase which ended up working for me.
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
My biggest goal was to get this championship. It's something I'd been chasing since sophomore year. My second goal was to break the state record. That one didn't pan out but I'm still glad of what I accomplished.
How do you think winning an individual state title will effect you heading into outdoors?
Finally winning a jumping state championship really gives me some confidence going into outdoor. With more competition it's nice to know I can do it when it's time.
Will you be competing in track at the college level next year?
As of right now I'm undecided. Depending on the intensity of my major at the school I decide will dictate if I compete or not. It also depends on if soccer is also a possibility but track is not out of the question.
Chapola's TJ Progression
| INDOOR | Graph |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 43-7.5 |
| 2016 | 41-8 |
| 2015 | 39-3.75 |
2016-17 Indoor Performances