State Champion Spotlight: Alex Wilkins (Windham)
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
Leading up to the state meet I really tried to work on getting my marks perfect on the board. I also trying to work on my focus so that I'd come in to the meet with the mental edge.
What was one thing that you focused on this winter that made a difference in your performance?
The biggest thing I worked on this season was my run-up. I found a mix of speed and control which would enable me to have a better, farther jump.
You won the triple jump title to match what you did outdoors last spring, what went right for you at the state meet?
There's something about the energy of the meet that never seems to let me down. My determination to succeed played a big role in the win, but it also came down to it just being the right day. I'd call it a mix of skill along with some dumb luck.
Perhaps your biggest accomplishment was placing 4th in the New Englands in the long jump with a personal best 22-3, talk about that jump and what it meant to earn All-New England.
It was definitely the biggest achievement. My 22-3 jump was something I wasn't expecting to be quite honest. It felt great to be able to accomplish something like that as well as being All-New England. It mostly proves to me that I can continue to improve.
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
My goals for this season were to get 44 again for triple and to get 21-6 for long. I achieved my long jump mark by a long shot but I didn't achieve my triple jump goal. I was very close and I'm expecting to break it come outdoor. I also wanted to break the triple and long jump record for my school, which I did.
What have your coaches meant to your success?
My coaches are one of the main reasons that I am where I stand today. They push me to improve each and every day and will help me tweak things no matter how small it is.
Wilkin's Triple Jump Progression
| INDOOR | Graph |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 43-10.5 |
| 2017 | 41-5 |
| 2016 | 41-3.25 |
| 2015 | 35-2.25 |