Nine Questions with Matt Watson
2/10/2009 12:00:00 AM
Feb. 10, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Rolltide.com and the Alabama men's track and field team will showcase select players and coaches every week answering nine questions. Questions will pertain to things on and off the track. The 2nd edition features junior Matt Watson.
Rolltide.com: You came into this program as a 52 second 400m sprinter, but have improved gradually over the years and have now become a 47 second 400m sprinter, what has been the reason(s) for your success at Alabama?
Matt Watson: I know my Faith has been the sole reason for my success. I never stop believing; even when I don't see the results I just work even harder! Failure is NEVER an option. I know that when it is time it will all come together.
Rolltide.com: When and why did you get started in the sport of track and field?
Watson: I started out racing in the street (light pole to light pole). It wasn't organized for me until I got here in the spring of `06. I came out to the track and met with Head Coach Harvey Glance. He had me do about two months worth of workouts and entered me in Alabama Relays. I was "SUPER SLOW"! I ran 23.0 in the 200m and 53.0 in the 400m. This was the most humbling experience in my life!
Rolltide.com: What are your personal goals and what are the team goals for the season?
Watson: My goal is to just be a competitor! I want to run fast enough to be at nationals. I know that when I get there I'm going to compete! One thing Coach G always reminds us is just to fight and that we have to be in the fight to fight. I know that with my competitive spirit, I can compete with anyone. As a team, we just want to build off last weekend at Notre Dame and just keep setting personal records and continuing to be injury free. We are "supa swagg'd" right now and we just want to make sure that we keep this confidence throughout the season.
Rolltide.com: Where's your favorite track meet to compete at and why?
Watson: I like competing against any SEC team, because it always makes me PR. So for me my favorite meet is SECs, but that will change once I get to stick my head in at nationals. Then nationals will become my favorite meet. I just want a chance to fight with the best in the nation.
Rolltide.com: What's on your iPod right now?
Watson: On my iPod right now is all praise and worship music. I have to set the atmosphere. I'm a Worshipper! That's what I was made for!
Rolltide.com: Why did you come to The University of Alabama?
Watson: Honestly, because I got in trouble my senior year of high school. It was a situation where it would just be best if I just left the state completely. After I got here I knew it was all set up! My transition into becoming and thinking like an adult was a lot easier because I was ALL by myself coming here. I knew no one! I am so grateful for all of my Alabama family that I have met.
Rolltide.com: Do you have any superstitions or rituals before your event?
Watson: One thing that I make sure that I do is read my Competitor's Creed. It's the FCA's way for an athlete to compete. I also hype myself. I know that every time I compete it is for something that is so much greater! Other than that I just go and run! Like Coach G says, "Don't think son! Just go compete! Be an athlete!" So there is never any pressure on me.
Rolltide.com: If you could play another sport in college, what would it be?
Watson: My sport would be football. I know the abilities that were given to me and to be able to not have them on display used to frustrate me, but now I'm okay with it. Now I know that if I'm not anxious for anything that it will work out. And besides, all things work together for my good (good and bad).
Rolltide.com: What is it about this team that has kept you from continuing your football career instead of track?
Watson: I've always been a loyal person even when it hurts just because that's what is expected where I am from. Coach G allowed me to be around his guys. He could've excluded me because I wasn't bringing anything to the program, but he saw something in me. Lem, LaChris, Cooley (former track members) all took me in with open arms when I came out and were patient with me in teaching me track. I didn't know even the first thing about running. There's no possible way I could have turned my back on them! All of these guys were All-Americans from this program and they saw something in me as well. But don't be shocked at all if you end up seeing me on Sundays with the Jaguars!
