Wilson is one of the top hurdlers in the nation (USCtrojans.com) |
1. At the Sun Angel Classic, you ran personal bests in both the 110 meter hurdles (13.53) and the 400 meter hurdles (49.67). How has your training and level of fitness been so far for the outdoor season?
My fitness level is getting better every week. It's not as good as it could be, but it's probably the best it's ever been since I've been in college. I need to sharpen a few things up in my short hurdles race.
2. As a two-time All-American, what are some of your goals this season as your collegiate career is coming to a close?
My main goal is to win the NCAAs. I would also like to set out school record, which is 13.33 by Mark Crear. I feel like that would put me in good position at U.S. Nationals.
3. You were also slowed much of last season with an ankle injury. Are you completely healed and do you feel slowed in any way because of it so far this season?
No, I'm not slowed down at all by it. I don't even think about it.
4. Originally from Westerville North High in Gahanna, Ohio, what made you decide to attend USC and how has the campus life and atmosphere treated you so far?
I came to USC because out of all the schools I was looking at, it was the best all-around. I wanted to be on the West Coast. My brother and his family live out here. I knew I would enjoy Los Angeles. And I wanted to be part of a winning tradition, and USC's got the best tradition in track and field. As far as campus life, it's interesting going to a school in the middle of such a large city. But I've really enjoyed the cultural experiences it has to offer and the people I've met and the friends I've made. It's been really great, I couldn't ask for anything more.
5. Not many people realize that you qualified for the Ohio State Track Meet in four events (the maximum) all four years of high school - and scored in 14 of the 16 events. Looking back upon your high school career, what sticks out in your mind as some of the best performances?
I'd say the state meet in my junior year, when I won the state meet for my team by myself. That was really memorable, but more memorable are some small things like catching my watch after it fell off my wrist in the middle of a hurdles race and coming back after my blocks slipping in a district race when they didn't restart the race. I enjoy the small things like that. I was really lucky to be on four really talented track teams.
6. How often do you get to go back home to Ohio to visit your friends and family?
I try to get back two times a year. Once during the summer and then probably during the Christmas break usually.
7. Now that you have cracked the elusive 50-second barrier in the 400 meter hurdles, what will you try to work on more to bring your time down even more in the event?
I need to improve my fitness level and really work on evening out the last half of the race so my steps are consistent for the last half as well as the first half.
8. What are your thoughts and feelings about the new regional qualifying system starting this year?
I'm not a big fan of it. I think it takes something away from good performances during the track season and it's not conducive to any sort of post-collegiate season, seeing as how it makes the season two weeks longer. I also feel like there's going to be a lot of good people or relay teams left out of competitions simply because they may be in a really strong region.
9. How often do you get into the weight room and what specific exercises do you feel help you out the most on the track?
I lift three times a week. It varies what I do depending on the workload I'm going to have on the weekend. The lifts that help me the most are probably the cleans and the squats.
10. Who are some of the people you look up to for any advice or inspiration?
I was lucky enough to run with Felix Sanchez, who is now the World Champ. So sometimes I ask him for advice. Also, I've had a lot of really observant people on my team the last couple years, so I've reaped the benefits of feedback, both negative and positive, from both current and former Trojans.
11. Based on your knowledge of your events, what kind of advice would you give to a young athlete in high school who wishes to participate in track for the first time?
I'd tell them to find what they are good at first and work hard at that, but also make sure to have fun. I feel that part of having fun is being well rounded. So, a lot of different events are going to help you in different areas of track and field. I also really support people participating in as many sports as they can, because a lot of track athletes get burned out when they are young, because they run and that's all they do. Young people need to realize that in track and field, longevity might be what helps you more than anything.
12. Who do you think is capable right now of breaking the 400 meter hurdle world record?
Felix Sanchez. He's the only one I've been able to observe with the kind of discipline and work ethic and training regimen that could do it. But, I'm sure there's plenty of people out there.