Athlete Interview - Jonathan Rus, North Scott HS

Athlete Interview
Jonathan Rus, senior, North Scott HS, Eldridge
PR’s:  55mH – 7.78, 60mH – 8.69, 110mH – 14.57, LJ – 21’9.5”

(photo from gctimes.com)

 

 

1.      When & how did you get started in track & field?

The first time I decided I wanted to do track was a track and field day in 3rd grade. I ran a 4x100 and long jump, which I won both; and since then have loved the urge to compete and win.

2.      Person/people most influential to your success in track & field?

The very first person to influence my success in track was my sister.  She was the reason my family became huge track fans.  She ended up running for the University of Iowa for a year until transferring; but because of her and her success I wanted to be better.  My mom was the next huge influence on my career.  She drove me around when I was involved in Mississippi Valley Track Club, driving to different states for me to run.  If it wasn't for her I would not have been able to become involved in track until high school came.  My coaches gave me the urge to not only do the best I can but to become better.  They never let me down on motivation and training.  This year my main influence is Ethan Holmes.  He holds the record of 13.90 in the 110m High hurdles at Drake Relays which I plan on beating.

3.      Your favorite track & field event(s)?

My favorite event is the 110m High Hurdles. I love the ease of going over them, and how many records I was able to beat last year.

4.      Your track & field event coach(es)?

Joe Greenwood is my head coach with focus on the hurdles and long jump.  Bill Kietzman is my primary hurdling coach.

5.       Keys to your successful track & field training program?

My keys are my goals for this year, the records I plan on beating, and my coaches pushing me to my potential that I missed last year because of a bad start at state.

6.      Your favorite track & field meet(s)? 

My favorite meets are Drake Relays and State because of the amount of competition I get to run against. 

7.      Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?

Last year my favorite competition was Brandon Ophoff because he was leading with the fastest time in the state.  This year will be Elijah Young.  He and I will be competing for the fastest time in state.

8.      Most memorable experience in track & field so far?

State last year in the 110m High Hurdles.  I went into finals in lane 7, not expected to do well.  I ended up getting 2nd place, and not getting 1st place by .01 with a horrible start.

9.      Greatest accomplishment(s) in track & field so far?

2 new school records last year and placing 2nd at state.

10. Goals for the 2013 track & field season?

This year I plan on breaking 7 high school records, beating Drake and State records in the 110m High Hurdles, and breaking the Iowa all time record at 13.56.

11. If a senior, college/university you will attend, or schools you are considering?

This spring I will be signing to University of Northern Iowa for track and field.

      12.  Long-term goals in track & field? 

Depending upon how my track progresses in college, I plan on trying for the Olympics my senior year in college when I will be 21.

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See Jonathan’s IOWATFXC.COM webpage at https://ia.milesplit.com/athletes/1932909-jon-rus .