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Full Name: Keith Graham Date of Birth: June 3, 1988 Hobbies: Surfing the net, shopping, playing and watching sports and hanging with my friends. Academic Interest: I like Science classes the best, but I hope to pursue Sports Management. Personal bests: Triple Jump: 49-7.05; Long Jump: 24-3; High Jump: 6-6. Brothers/sisters: Devin (sister) and Rodney. |
scrunners: As a senior track and field athlete, what are you looking to accomplish in the sport and in school?
graham: In sports I am trying to either set or break as many records as I can. In school I am working to get my diploma.
scrunners: When did you start to compete in track and field?
graham: I started to compete in track and field my junior year.
scrunners: Do you remember your first meet and how you did at the meet?
graham: Yes, it was against Bishop England. I had a long jump of about 18 and a triple jump of 38. Even though these numbers weren\'t that good, I still won.
scrunners: How would you say you have grown in the sport.
graham: I feel I understand the sport better and I have improved my techniques.
scrunners: How have you seen the sport change since your introduction?
graham: I haven\'t really been in the sport that long, so I haven\'t really seen any significant changes.
scrunners: Does or did anyone else in your family compete in track and field?
graham: My brother belonged to a track club and my uncle went to State when he was in high school.
scrunners: Do you have any rivals or does West Ashley have any team rivals?
graham: I view my rival as the person I am competing against in that particular meet. West Ashley really does not have a rival in track and field. To have a rival can be beneficial because they push you to go to the next level.
scrunners: When training for the jump events, what does your daily workouts consists of early in the season, as the season progresses and towards the end of the season?
graham: Early in the season my training primarily consist of sprints, weight, stretches and trying different techniques. As the season progresses and near the end my training is about the same where I do six stride take-offs and continue with my speed training.
scrunners: How is the training different for long jump, triple jump and high jump?
graham: For the long jump I am working on speed and elevation; the triple jump it is speed and working on staying parallel. Then with the high jump I am working on the use of bending my back and using my arms.
scrunners: What kind of goals are you setting for this season?
graham: To break stadium amd meet records.
scrunners: How do you see yourself accomplishing these goals?
graham: By staying focused and consistent, while trying to avoid injury.
scrunners: What do you remember from the 2005 season?
graham: The State meet.
scrunners: Coming home with two state titles at the state meet, what were you thinking before the event and explain the state meet atmosphere last year?
graham: I was thinking that I didn\'t have to feel like an underdog; just go out and try hard to jump my best. The atmosphere was like other meets it was just more people.
scrunners: What areas are you looking to improve, stay the same and why in track and field?
graham: I want to improve my second phase of the triple jump and my overall speed and techniques in the long jump.
scrunners: As a senior, what are you looking to achieve in the future in track and field, academics and life?
graham: I want to first graduate high school and then go on to compete at the college level. After college I want to pursue becoming a professional trak and field athlete.
scrunners: Are you looking to compete in collegiate track and field?
graham: Yes.
scrunners: What advice can you give to up and coming high school track and field athletes about achieving their best on a daily basis?
graham: Work hard during practice, even if your teammates are not. Learn everything you can about the event(s) you compete in.
scrunners: What do you look for in a coach and what do you expect a coach to look for in you?
graham: I look for guidance from my coach. For them to tell me when I am not doing things right and when I am. I expect the coach to look for me to always do my best.
scrunners: What has been your biggest challenge in the sport?
graham: Because I started in the sport late and didn\'t have a true jumps coach, learning the techniques have been my greatest challenge.
scrunners: Have you ever been injured?
graham: Yes, I once suffered from a hip flexor injury.
scrunners: How do you stay motivated on a daily basis?
graham: Just thinking about the records I want to break motivates me to practice hard.
scrunners: Have you ever meet a professional athlete?
graham: I haven\'t met a professional athlete.
scrunners: If there is one thing you could do in life, what would it be and why?
graham: Become a professional athlete so that I can have a job that I really love.