Alabama Track & Field Q&A: Shelby McEwen
2/28/2018 12:36:00 PM | Track & Field, Cross Country
Shelby McEwen is in his first year as a member of the Alabama track & field team. The junior college transfer from Oxford, Miss., won the high jump title at the 2018 Southeastern Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships on Feb. 24 and will compete in the NCAA Championships, March 9-10, in College Station, Texas. McEwen's winning mark of 7-4 ¼ at the SEC meet is the second-best in school history.
What was the transition like from junior college to the Alabama?
Shelby McEwen: "Everything is more intense. Academics, practice, competition. I was playing basketball and competing in track the last two years in junior college, so transitioning to track full-time was a huge step for me."
Why Alabama?
SM: "When I came on my visit, I just enjoyed the environment, the people and the coaching staff. My coach, Miguel Pate, kept it real with me. He came on a home visit and told me everything we were going to work on if I chose Alabama, and ever since then it's been going well. Alabama was always my first option and the only option I really considered."
How did your junior college experience help you this season?
SM: "I believe my experience at Northwest Mississippi made me more motivated. I realized what a blessing it would be to compete at the Division I level. Northwest Mississippi did not have a track program so I was competing in meets as an unattached athlete and training on my own while still going to school and playing for their basketball team. My time there motivated me to improve and compete at a higher level in order to achieve my goal of moving on to a Division I school."
How is the training different at Alabama?
SM: "Well, I'm training with a team now instead of on my own, so that's the biggest difference. We do a lot more work in the weight room and we run and condition more. I was in top notch shape for basketball at Northwest, but now I'm in track-fit shape. Those aren't the same thing."
What's been the key to your success this season?
SM: "The key is staying focused and doing what it takes to be successful on that day. You have to practice hard day in and day out and take care of your body. As an athlete, you've got to make sure you're putting the right things into your body. That's something my mom always told me, take care of your body."
What are your goals after graduation?
SM: "First, I want to graduate with at least a 3.5 GPA. My major is Kinesiology Sports Management, my minor is Education. Second, I want to make our Olympic team, and eventually compete professionally one day."
How did it feel to win the SEC high jump championship?
SM: "This is the first time I've competed in indoor track so to win an SEC championship in my first season just feels awesome! I felt good going into that night and I knew it was going to be a competitive meet because there are so many great jumpers in this league. I just focused on clearing that next bar and everything worked out. Now I'm excited to do it again at nationals."
Players Mentioned
