LRC: So Chance, what made you choose Mississippi State?
Chance: They showed a lot of interest in me early and the coaches saw potential in me to be a 6'10-7'0 foot jumper when I was only at 6'6 and they were right. Also after visiting the campus and meeting the teammates and coaches I knew it was the place for me. Also it doesn't hurt that my dad graduated from MSU.
LRC: Do you have any idea on what you plan on majoring in? If so, what and why?
Chance: I plan on majoring in kinesiology because I want to be a physical therapist. I have been through physical therapy twice and it seems like something I would want to do.
LRC: Congratulations on your recent indoor state championship! How does it feel?
Chance: The state championship feels amazing. I have been high jumping since 4th grade with that as one of my ultimate goals and to finally reach it is very rewarding.
LRC: Going off of my last question, did you train any differently from last year to this year? If so, what changes were made?
Chance: I did train a little differently this year. In the off season I really focused on the overall strength in my legs as well as explosion off the ground. I also focused a lot on my run up to the mat this year.
LRC: What are your goals for outdoor season, and how do you expect to accomplish them?
Chance: My first goal of my outdoor season is to help my team win our district, regional and state championships. Secondly I want to win an individual state championship as well as improve my PR and hopefully jump 7 feet by the end of the year. I plan on doing this by doing the one thing I can do which is work harder and focus on my technique and training.
LRC: What is a typical training regimen of a high jumper?
Chance: My typical regimen consists of doing actual jumping on the mat at least once or twice a week. Also my training consists of a lot of plyometrics and explosion drills and of course some running and a lot of ab work.
LRC: What do you want to contribute to the team at MSU?
Chance: When I get to MSU I just want to be a member of the team who contributes in some way. I would like to contribute by scoring in meets, especial conference meets. I also want to contribute by pushing my fellow high jump teammates by us competing with one another.
LRC: In regards to choosing a college, what advice do you have to upcoming seniors?
Chance: My advice to upcoming seniors about choosing a college would be to really explore your opinions. Visit campuses and make sure you really love the place where you will be for 4 years outside of sports. Also make sure to see if you and the coaches and players mesh well and that y'all all have similar goals and beliefs.
LRC: Who would you say is the most inspiring person in your life, and why?
Chance: The most inspirational person in my life definitely is my dad. His morals and the way he lives his life inspires me. Also he has been my coach since I began high jump in 4th grade and he has been at every meet to support me. He is the one who I see pounding on his chest telling me to have heart when I get down on myself in a meet. He inspires me everyday in both my life and in high jump to never become complacent but instead to strive to better myself everyday.
Thanks Chance!
<p> Are you running/jumping/throwing in college? Have we not added you to our series "Class of 2014:Where are you going?" Drop us an email at pat@louisianarunning.com including a picture of your signing (if you have one), where you will be competing, and in what event. Thanks!</p>