Name: Hailey Sweatman
Personal bests: 12-4 (PV). 15.39 (100H)
Academic interest: Physical Therapy
Hobbies: Wakeboarding
Interesting fact: I can't close just one eye…. I can't wink!
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
I got involved back when my middle school PE teacher (Coach Joe Eshelman) asked me to come out for the track team. I figured I would try it out because it was a sport I hadn't done yet.
How have you seen it change?
Everyone on the team has come closer together. My vaulting teammate have bonded and I've started to sort of “coach" her when she needs me. Also, I think our team works well together.
How do you feel you have grown in the sport?
I think I've gained more self-confidence over the year. I've learned how to handle tough situations and not get scared.
What has been your motivation for this season?
I've been striving for the state record and to jump for a PR every time I go to a meet.
What goes throughout your mind as the gun is getting ready to go as you are waiting in the blocks or starting line?
I'm thinking….. Power in every step I take. Attack every hurdle. Snap my lead leg down. Maintain my speed. Chase down the leader, or, don't get caught!
Do you have a pre-competition tradition? Please explain.
Before every meet, I try to stay relaxed. I usually talk things out (strategies) with Coach (Dave) Lee and we create a game plan.
How would you rate your season so far?
I would say its been good. It didn't start out as well as I'd have liked, but its coming together nicely.
Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
My parents have supported me throughout everything. They take me to get extra practice and cheer me up when I don't compete well.
What challenges have you encountered in the sport?
I've dealt with a BIG mental block, actually at the beginning of this season in most all of my events. I wasn't vaulting as high as I wanted to and my hurdle times didn't feel close to where I wanted them. I had to really focus, mentally.
Have you ever been injured? Please explain.
I used to do competitive cheer. I sprained my ankle and was in a boot for six weeks. I also messed up my forearm and had to wear a splint.
What do you hope to achieve in the sport and in life in the future?
I hope to continue to improve in every way….. my strength in my legs, arms, and core; my speed down the runway; and, I'd like to just keep improving, overall.
Do you have post season track plans?
I'll train for and compete at Nationals. Then, during the fall, I'm going to train with Coach Lee. We'll be working on weight training, gaining muscle, and foot speed.
What is your favorite workout and why?
I like running 300-meter workouts because its not a full-out sprint, but faster than an easy jog.
What goals have you set for the rest of the season?
I want to keep improving my mental game and give my all at every practice. If it's a good day, I want to work on muscle memory. If it's a bad day, I want to focus on the things I could have done better.
Looking at the 2014 state meet, what do you remember and how did that make you prepare for the 2015 state meet?
My 2014 state meet ended badly. I won the pole vault, but I was mad with my height. It made me strive for better and I wanted to work harder and to get better. It made me want to come back into 4A and be strong and competitive.
Fun questions
Post-race meal: Chick Fil-A
Go-to karaoke song: Eye of the Tiger
Last movie you watched: Lord of the Rings
Favorite race or event to watch: Mens 110-meter hurdles
If you could go on a run with any athlete, who would it be?: LoLo Jones
