SC Interview: Brittany Whitaker

Full Name: Brittany Ann Whitaker Class: Senior- Blue Ridge High School- Greer, SC Birthdate: 8/9/84 Hometown: Taylors, SC Academic Interest: Physical Education, Member of WCU women's Track & Field team. Personal Records: High Jump- 5'8" Long Jump-17-01.5 Triple Jump-35-01.5 4x4 Relay Team-4:05.99 (individual leg- 59.03) Awards: 2002 AAA State Champion-High Jump 2002 AAA-finish 2nd in State-4x4 Relay team All-County & MVP-Field Events-2002 and 2003 All-Region-AAA Peach Blossom-2002 Coaches All-State Selection-High Jump-2002

scrunners: What gave you the idea to start competing in track & field?
Whitaker: I have always loved running-ever since I was very small and like my Dad I am and have always been VERY competitive, so it only seemed natural for me to do track.

scrunners: When did you start to compete in track?
Whitaker: During my eighth grade year in 1998.

scrunners: What other sports did you or do you play?
Whitaker: Junior Varsity Basketball- 1 year- 8th grade, Varsity Basketball- 4 years- 9-12th grade, Cross Country- 2 years- 10th and 12th grade, and Track & Field- 5 years- 8-12th grade.

scrunners: From what I have seen you are a multi-event athlete, field and running, do you have a favorite?
Whitaker: Yes, high jump has been my favorite since the first time I tried it.

scrunners: Not necessarily your favorite, what event has been the most challenging to you?
Whitaker: High jump because it is very competitive and each person has their own unique style. It (high jump) takes time, patience and effort to achieve this.

scrunners: Who has been your biggest rival throughout the past and this season?
Whitaker: In AAA it has to be Arionne Allen from JL Mann High because she is a fierce competitor and a great friend. Arionnne is a gifted athlete and always shows good sportsmanship. This season everyone has been a challenge because there are so many strong jumpers.

scrunners: Did you compete in any indoor meets this season?
Whitaker: No, but we were scheduled to attend a meet at Clemson's new indoor facility,but it was canceled due to construction delays.

scrunners: Before committing to Western Carolina, what other schools did you take visit?
Whitaker: I visited Coastal Carolina, but was recruited by several schools, both in and out of state.

scrunners: What made you decide on becoming a Catamount in the 2003-2004 school year?

"I believe you must have complete trust and acceptance between you and your coach. You have to learn from each other and strive to help each other be the best you can be." --Brittany Whitaker

Whitaker: I loved everything about the school, its physical education program, the fact it is a smaller school, but still is a Division I program. Also the idea that it wasn't too far from home, but most of all I felt a real connection to the coaching staff. They were up front and honest with me. I was very impressed with their Track & Field program and wanted to be a part of it.

scrunners: Do you hold any Blue Ridge school records or any other records on the county region, or state level?
Whitaker: I hold the Blue Ridge high jump record of 5'8". I broke a 21 year old record during my sophomore year. During my junior as a member of the 4x400-meter relay team we ran a 4:05.99. At the region (Appalachian AA) level I hold the high jump record of 5'8" which I set this season as a senior. I also hold the long jump region record of 17-01.5, which I also set this year.

scrunners: As a senior, how would you like to see your season end as an individual and as a team?
Whitaker: I personally would love to win state again as an individual, but I would also love to stand on that podium with my teammates as the 2003 AA State Champions.

scrunners: What kind of workout do you undergo daily and how do you make it specific towards the field and running events?
Whitaker: I work on field events three days a week and work on my running two days a week. I mostly work on high jump. My running workouts are with the team, my field events are individual. There are no specific workouts.

scrunners: What kind of shoes do you train in and what kind of competitive shoes to you wear?
Whitaker: I train and compete in track shoes designed for sprinters and jumpers.

scrunners: Most tracks are rubber, do you prefer the rubber surface, or do you have another preference?
Whitaker: Even though Blue Ridge does not have the rubber track,that is what I prefer, and will be what I will compete on in college. The rubber surface is so much easier on your legs, but I can run on any surface.

scrunners: Who has been the most impacting throughout your high school track & field career and why?

Whitaker: My Dad because he is my biggest fan and he is there to cheer me on, to chew me out and get me back on track when I need it. He has wiped the tears, in both the good times and the bad. He is always there encouraging me and I know all I have to do is look up and I know he will be there.

scrunners: Have you decided what you like to study at Western Carolina?
Whitaker: Yes, I want to be a high school physical education teacher.

scrunners: What is involved in your pre-meet ritual and post meet ritual?
Whitaker: The day before a meet I mostly work on my steps. The day of the meet a lot of stretching, but mostly getting myself mentally prepared. As far as what I eat--I eat very little the day of a meet, but my little ritual that I have is to have a box of fruit gushers and a bottle of Gatorade.

scrunners: Does or did anyone else in your family compete in track & field. If so, what events?
Whitaker: My Dad competed in the high jump, 100-meters and 200-meters. My sister Robin is a 3200-meter runner and my other sister, Amanda throws the shot put and discus.

scrunners: Do you feel that this season's rainy weather has inhibited your training or competition schedule?
Whitaker: Yes, because we do not have access to any indoor facilities. It has really affected the training for field events. They have been able to rearrange our schedule pretty well to make up the for rainy weather.

scrunners: What athlete or person do you admire most and why?
Whitaker: Flo Jo because she was an inspiration to all women, especially in track & field. I can only dream of being that kind of athlete.

scrunners: Have you ever wanted to or have you competed at the national level?
Whitaker: I think every athlete wants to compete at that level however, I have never had the opportunity, but hope to someday.

scrunners: South Carolina Track & Field is in the growing stages, what do you see happening in the next ten years at the high school level and what do you see yourself doing with the sport in the next ten years?
Whitaker: In ten years the competitive nature of this sport will be overwhelming. The athletes are getting stronger and faster. I also feel that indoor track will become a part of the program. As for myself, in 10 years I hope to be coaching this sport.

scrunners: An athlete/coach relationship should never be forgotten, what do you look for in a coach and what do you as an athlete, expect to do to make this relationship work?
Whitaker: This relationship is so important. I believe you must have complete trust and acceptance between you and your coach. You have to learn from each other and strive to help each other be the best you can be. My track coach, Coach Smith will have a lasting impact on my life. He has been so supportive of my ability and my future goals. I hope someday, as a coach I will have the same impact on my athletes. Blue Ridge High School has given me so many opportunities to excel as an athlete and I will be forever grateful to my all my coaches, teachers, staff, and our athletic director Ray Riley for encouraging me to fulfill my dreams.