Nine Questions with Tyler Campbell
2/23/2009 12:00:00 AM
Feb. 23, 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 third edition features freshman Tyler Campbell.
Rolltide.com: You just became the SEC leader in the high jump this past weekend. How do you prepare yourself for the upcoming SEC Championships with a new target on your back?
Tyler Campbell: I mean everybody is going to try to take me down. I just can't let that happen I have to perform better than I have before because I know other jumpers are going to do the same and want to be the SEC champion. I have to be mentally and physically prepared for this meet. I just have to go out there and do what I have been coached to do and if I do that I will have a great day.
Rolltide.com: When and why did you get started in the sport of track and field?
Campbell: I got started my freshman year in high school. It was going to be the first track team in school history. My dad is really the one that got me interested in high jump because he high jumped in school so I thought I would give it a try. Also, I thought if I try different sports, I might find myself alright in one sport but in the other one I might be the best on my team.
Rolltide.com: What are your personal goals and what are the team goals for the season?
Campbell: As far as my personal goals go, I am not just going to throw out numbers. I am going to go out on the track and try my best every meet. The marks will come if I do that. Our team has a good chance in scoring really well at SECs. A lot of the guys are ranked pretty high so we hoping for a good weekend of competing come SECs.
Rolltide.com: Where's your favorite track meet to compete at and why?
Campbell: I would have to say Kentucky for right now. I felt like I could jump there better than anywhere else this year. I can't complain about Washington I jumped pretty well there. Just wherever there is a crowd watching, it gives me energy and the drive to perform well.
Rolltide.com: What's on your iPod right now?
Campbell: Well, umm, I have some 80's music and mostly rock. That's about it really.
Rolltide.com: Why did you come to The University of Alabama?
Campbell: I knew some of the guys already and I just felt comfortable being here.
Rolltide.com: Do you have any superstitions or rituals before your event?
Campbell: I do not have any superstitions or rituals.
Rolltide.com: What's it like to be coached by a former Olympian in Victor Houston and what does he bring to the table that most coaches don't?
Campbell: It's a great opportunity for me to be coached by someone like Coach Houston. He has been to the highest level that you can go in track and field. Some coaches cannot say that. He has the experience as an athlete and as a coach so I try to take everything in and learn as much as I can.
Rolltide.com: If you could do any other collegiate sport, what would it be? Why?
Campbell: Badminton...? Haha, I would have played basketball because I had a chance to play at some smaller schools.
