Smith looks to advance to the NCAA Championships in the 400 hurdles (Wyoming sports photo) |
1. As a freshman last year, you ran season best times of 53.25 in the 400 meters and 58.89 in the 400 meter hurdles. How do you feel this season as the outdoor campaign is getting ready to come to a close?
I feel I'm finally to the point where I should have been originally at the beginning of the season. I was plagued with injuries during the indoor season, so it set the tone for the beginning of my outdoor season. But, now I'm finally healthy and have more experience with the 400 hurdles than I did last year.
2. Named as the 2002 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year in both the indoor and outdoor seasons, you also competed at the national meet in the 400 meters. What was the experience like for you and what did you learn from your first year in collegiate track?
My freshman year was a good year. I wish every year of my college career could be like that. I learned that year to not be afraid of anyone, and to have confidence in myself. When I ran at nationals I knew that I deserved to be there and that I shouldn't be intimidated.
3. Don Yentes is in his third season as the Wyoming head coach. What is the basic training philosophy like there and how has Yentes and the rest of the staff helped you along the way?
The basic training philosophy here is not rain, wind, sleet, or snow will stop us from running. I couldn't ask for a better coach than Coach Yentes. He always has confidence in your abilities, and knows how to make you faster. He's always straightforward and never beats around the bush. He has goals for you as an athlete, but also takes into account what you want to accomplish as well. He knows how to get you to where you want to go.
4. Originally from the state of Wyoming as well, did you ever consider going to school out of state coming out of high school?
If you are an athlete from Wyoming all you think about is going somewhere else. You get caught up in going to a big name school even though it may not be the right fit for you. However, I came to my senses my senior year and knew that I could excel and accomplish my goals running at UW for Coach Yentes.
5. How do you balance out your hurdle work between the 100 and 400 meter events and what event do you consider your strongest?
Usually we will alternate between the two. Some days we will do sprint hurdle work and other days we'll work on long hurdles. I feel the 400 hurdles are my strongest event. It will just take time and patience before I perfect them.
6. Based on your experience so far, what do you think you need to work on the most to help bring down your times?
I need to work on attacking the hurdles in the 400 hurdles, as well as my stride pattern. Right now there is a five second difference between my 400 time and 400 hurdle time.
7. Not many people have been to the campus at Wyoming. Describe the general atmosphere along with the many sights and places to visit in the state.
The campus is really laid back. The student population is about 12,000. However, it's usually covered in snow, but in the summer it's gorgeous.
8. An outstanding student in the classroom as well, how do you balance out the time and effort to focus on everything?
I try to stay on top of things, and get them done ahead of time. I also try to be as organized as possible.
9. What has been some of the more challenging workouts you had to endure during the season so far and how much has it paid off for you?
The more challenging workouts are during the fall when we're trying to build a base for the rest of the year. I think it pays off a lot to strengthen our endurance.
10. What other sports and activities did you participate in high school and if it wasn't for track & field in college, what do you think you would be doing?
I also played volleyball in high school, which at first I wanted to go to college and play. I knew track would be a better fit for me. I felt I could progress a lot more in track. If I weren't doing track in college I'd probably be a normal nursing student.
11. How big of a fan are you of the sport and who are some of the athletes you look up to?
I love the sport of track and field and hope I can continue running even after college. The athletes I look up to most are my teammates.