Photo Courtesy of John Sangiolo
By Emma Wenning, Hannah Kiritsy, and Lola Coulter
Sports Reporters
For the past two years, sophomore Danny Collins has been an important part of the Newton South track and field program. This past season, however, Collins has stepped up his game to the next level. He is now the star high jumper for South’s indoor track team, as only a sophomore. Collins has even become one of the top underclassmen in the state for high jump.
Collins has already had great success this season, but is looking to qualify for nationals by clearing 6’4”.
This week, Denebola got a chance to sit down with Collins, discussing his goals for the rest of his indoor track season.
What was your season like last year?
“Last year, I mainly just ran and only did a little high jump. That actually didn’t go very well last year. My [personal record] was only 5’5”, and my form had been thrown off. I was just a lot worse last year than I am this year.”
How have you improved since last year, and what have you done to improve?
“I did a lot of work this summer and in the fall. I was able to add a couple inches to my vertical which I think helped a lot. I also lifted weights for the first time in awhile so I think that helped me too, but mostly just a looffseasonin the off season.”
How important is the coaches meet coming up this weekend, and how important are the DCLs next weekend?
“The coaches meet for me is just going to be a fun meet because I’m just going for height and not for place. For DCLs, I’m focusing on placing, and I don’t really care about height as much in that meet. I think placing in the top three would be pretty cool because that’s a medal, and I get to be on the podium so that’s my goal for the DCLs.”
During this weekend’s meet and next weekend’s meet, what height are you hoping to clear?
“I came back from an injury, so I’m not expecting too much from Coaches (invitation meet) but near the end of the season, at DCLs and States, I think a good goal would be to get to 6’2” again and then my reach goal is 6’4”, because that would mean qualifying for Nationals, which would be pretty cool.”
What are your hopes for the rest of this indoor track season and your hopes going into outdoor?
“For the rest of this track season I hope to stay healthy, have fun at the coaches meet and with the team, do well at DCLs, have fun at States, and hopefully make the All-States. For outdoor track, I hope to improve my form and get more consistent.”
Do you have any future plans with track?
“I want to start running again for the outdoor season.”
