State Champion spotlight: Sam Simonds Traip Academy
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
Fixing my block start was a big part of the preparation, as well as continuing to improve my hurdle form.
How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
One of my major problems in Track and Field is getting in my own head, so I made it a goal to go into my races as calm as I could be.
You came into the meet as the favorite, so winning the title was no surprise. However, you set a huge personal best in the final. What was the feeling like when you crossed the finish line & saw your time?
Although I came in as the favorite, I was still very nervous. Some of the other runners times were very close to my own so the rush of accomplishment I got in seeing my PR was one of the most exciting moments in my life.
Your teammate Evan Porter was the defending 55m hurdle champion went down in the regular season with an injury. How was practice without him there to push you?
Even though Evan couldn't physically train with us, he was still very active and encouraging at practices and was a huge support to the team and I this season.
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
My main goal this season was to constantly be improving and I definitely feel I achieved that.
How do you think winning an individual state title will effect you heading into outdoors?
Winning an individual state title was unexpected and definitely a huge confidence booster, I'm excited to see what the spring season brings.
Simond's 55m Hurdle Progression
| 55MH | |
|---|---|
| INDOOR | Graph |
| 2017 | 8.11 |
| 2016 | 8.83 |
2016-17 Indoor Performances