Guice holds an indoor best mark of 7-5 and should be one of the favorites this year for the high jump title (Purdue sports info) |
1. After opening your indoor season with a leap of 7-3, how do you feel so far and what were some of your goals heading into the season?
I feel very confident going into the season with my opening last weekend. My goals have not changed. I want to win every meet I compete in. With that standard in mind, it enables me to relax and try my best.
2. You've been a big time performer during the indoor seasons while placing second in 2001 and third overall last season. Do you consider yourself as one of the favorites for the title this season?
I have always considered myself as the opitomy of competition. Favorites are why the word upset was invented to me. If I was in competition with anyone, I feel like I have a chance to win because I am going to give myself that chance, or die trying. I personally feel like gauging myself against my competition is irrelevant compared to how I compete when they are in my face.
3. How have you overcome your injury from last outdoor season in which you received a medical redshirt?
I have altered my training somewhat. I rested a whole lot. I go day to day and see how I feel. I would not say I did too much of anything to overcome my injury, besides therapy. I was not sure if I was going to jump again. The powers that be have made it possible for me to keep jumping.
4. With an indoor personal best of 7-5, what do you feel you need to work on the most in order to achieve and jump above that height again?
I believe I need to just be patient and technically sound in my approach.
5. You've also been a member of the 4x400 meter relay squads over the years. How much does the long sprint help you in the high jump?
My coach has been trying to work on my horrible running form since I got to school, I can see better posture in my approach now. I feel because coach implemented the changes in my sprint workouts it carried over subconsciously into my jumping approach without me losing any speed.
6. Have you thought about what you would like to do after your collegiate career is over?
I would like to go as far as athletics will take me. When I am all done, I hope be getting married eventually, and began teaching and coaching. I have also thought about studying film.
7. Based on your experience, what kind of advice can you give someone who wishes to improve on the event?
I would tell them to make sure there base is strong. A lot of people think the high jump is all about technique. Technique helps down the road, but raw talent is the key. It is just like any event. No coach would waste his/her time doing block work with a 100 meter male sprinter who runs a 5.0. second 40 yard dash. He does not have any talent. High jump is about being able to really jump. People get discouraged about the way we go over the bar. It is not as hard as it looks -- if you can jump.
8. What has been the most rewarding experience so far in your athletic career?
I would say traveling. I have seen places I never would have seen, getting to meet people I never would have met. Track has allowed me to grow in several ways. Being hurt was a blessing. Athletics is short lived, and it should be cherished and never taken for granted. The best thing of all is being an athlete can give you a voice. I can motivate people at times, just from being a skinny high jumper people will listen to what I have to say. That is something I use to try to make people feel good about themselves, and about athletes in general. Sometimes athletes are perceived wrong.
9. Do you prefer to compete indoors or outdoors and what is the major advantage of both seasons in your event?
The only difference between indoors and outdoors to me, is the elements. I hate having to deal with the elements. So I like indoor better. Training in the midwest, I despise being cold.
10. For those of us who have never been to the campus of Purdue, describe the atmosphere and what it's like to be a student-athlete there?
Purdue makes you feel like you are way away from the fast life. It is not a really small city though. West Lafayette is unlike anywhere I have ever been. Purdue has a distinct smell (because of factories) lot's of school pride and Black and Gold everywhere. Purdue loves football. Being a student athlete is fun. People respect you. When you leave campus you realize West Lafayette is "country." A pick up truck is the choice automobile for most men from this area.
11. Who do you consider as the best high jumper in the world right now?
I would say David Clinger has the most potential to pop a big jump in the near future. I could not make an educated choice as far as the world is concerned.
12. Who are some of the people in your life who has influenced you the most?
My Mother and my immediate family. My high school coach. Coach Olson. And honestly -- everyone that I have ever cared about, to see them trying everyday, influences me.