Interview: Wilson Hall senior Chris Sharp

Full name: Christopher Dabney Sharp
Date of birth: July 6, 1992
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, video games, basically any sport
Academic interest: Math and science related courses

Event PRs: HJ—6-5, TJ—42-4.5, LJ—19-6, SP—40-11, 110H—14.72, 400—53.13, 4x400—3:33.

scrunners: How did you become involved in your sport?
sharp: I grew up around the sport. My older sisters Mollie and Nancy were both involved in track during their high school years, and I knew it was something I wanted to try. The first chance I was given, I hit the track.

scrunners: When did you become involved in the sport?
sharp: I became involved in track and field in the seventh grade. We are all given an excellent opportunity to start the sport at a very young age at Wilson Hall.

scrunners: What obstacles have you faced?
sharp: I nearly gave the sport up after my eighth grade season. I hadn’t matured physically yet and was very frustrated with my performances. After taking a year off to play junior varsity soccer in ninth grade, I returned to the track for my sophomore season, and I took off from there.

scrunners: What have been the high points of your career?
sharp: The high points have definitely been the state championships I have won, both individually, and more importantly, as a team. I have been so fortunate to be a part of this program, and the success is a direct reflection of the coaches and atmosphere of the track program at Wilson Hall.

scrunners: How did you get involved with track and field, specifically?
sharp: When I was given the chance to run at a young age, I jumped right in and fell in love with the sport.

scrunners: When did you start to compete?
sharp: I started to compete in the seventh grade.

scrunners: What was your first competition like?
sharp: My first competition was overwhelming. I was entered in the triple jump hoping to jump around 28 feet. Miller Moss, current All-American heptathlete at Clemson University, was jumping over 45 feet. It was an eye-opening experience that resulted in a lot of motivation for me.

scrunners: Do you have parents, siblings or other relatives / friends that are involved in sports?
sharp: My parents were not involved in sports in high school. However, my two older sisters were. They both were cheerleaders and ran track at some point. The oldest, Mollie, also played basketball. Nearly all of my friends play some sport also.

scrunners: How have these people affected your career?
sharp: They have influenced my athletic career in so many ways. Whether it be picking me up from practice or talking me through those tough situations, they have given me nothing but support, and it means the world to me.

scrunners: Is there someone other than a family member or friend who has inspired you (maybe a professional athlete you’ve met or someone along that line)?
sharp: In my years of following the sport, I have become a big fan of the great multi-event athlete Bryan Clay. His ability and attitude is astonishing, and I always love watching or reading about him compete.

scrunners: What goals does your team have this season?
sharp: The boys team is seeking its fourth straight state championship. Wilson Hall track has developed into the top program in SCISA and we surely have no intentions of breaking that tradition. Also, the girls are looking to win a state championship this year. After a few years of being unable to bring home the trophy, they are looking stronger than ever.

scrunners: What long-term goals you have for your running career—where do you see yourself in 3-6 years?
sharp: I have decided to pursue track at the next level. I have narrowed down the search to The University of South Carolina and Clemson University. I plan to major in chemical engineering.

scrunners: How is training?
sharp: Training is going well. It's tough to manage, but it is going well. Coach Stacy Ard does an excellent job of managing practice time so that I will be ready for multiple events come meet day.

scrunners: What have you done recently for training?
sharp: Recently training has been focused on mainly technical issues. I frequently work on improving both my hurdle and high jump form.

scrunners: Did you go to a camp prior to the season? Explain.
sharp: Yes, I did attend a camp this summer. A few athletes, coach Stacy Ard and I attended camp at the University of South Carolina.

scrunners: How has this training equipped you to reach your goals and help your team reach its goals?
sharp: The training methods and techniques we learned at camp are invaluable resources. I was amazed to see how much I actually know about the sport of track and field. I certainly have a lot to learn.

scrunners: What is your favorite event to compete in?
sharp: My favorite event has to be the 110m hurdles. There is nothing like those 15 seconds (hopefully less) of chaos.

scrunners: What pre-race/event traditions you (or the team) have?
sharp: Every night before a race I take an ice bath. Call me crazy, but there is nothing that can make your legs feel better the next day.

scrunners: What are your favorite subjects in school?
sharp: I enjoy anything related to math or science. This year I’m taking AP Calculus and AP Physics. Those two definitely keep me busy.  

scrunners: How do you balance school and athletics?
sharp: It honestly isn’t that difficult to manage school and athletics. Wilson Hall gives you so many opportunities to succeed both in the classroom and on the athletic field. It's tough, but failing is a result of one's lack of effort. I am fortunate enough to be given many opportunities to succeed academically and athletically. All I have to do is capitalize on those opportunities.  

scrunners: What keeps you motivated to do your best in class and on the course/track?
sharp: The fact that there is always someone out there who is practicing a little bit harder than me keeps me going. If I want to be the best, I have to put in the most time and effort, and until I get to that point, I won’t be satisfied.

scrunners: Have you considered competing in college?
sharp: Yes, I hope to pursue a college career in track and field.

scrunners: What are your goals for your post-high school career?
sharp: I see myself graduating in four years with a bachelors degree in chemical engineering. I then hope to pursue a masters degree in either chemical or petroleum engineering.

scrunners: What’s one thing you would do with unlimited time and resources? Why?
sharp: I have been blessed with so many amazing people and opportunities in my life that I should not be asking for more. However, I have never seen the world. With unlimited time and resources, I would most likely take a trip abroad to observe other cultures, people and places. We get so caught up in our own little bubble sometimes that we fail to see what else is out there.