“Projected Top 2012 Iowa High School Track & Field Athletes” Interview –
Michael Malloy, Senior, Sioux City Bishop Heelan High School
1. When & how did you get started in track & field? I started track when I was about 4 years old. I would always attend my oldest brother Brian's high school track practices and practice with the team. Then one time at a meet one of the meet officials said I could hop in at the 400m race after the gun went off and run the race with the guys, so I did.
2. Person/people most influential to your success in track & field? The most influential person with track has always been my dad. When I was little he would always take me down to the Hinton track (we used to live in Hinton) and we would practice for the Hershey track meets where I qualified twice for nationals when I was 10 and 12. The other person who has been a major influence would be Bill Hoss who is my track coach now. I first met him my freshman year when I was moved to varsity. He made a big impact on me right away as well as in the future since he was also the offensive coordinator for our high school football team.
3. Your favorite track & field event(s)? My favorite track and field events have always been the Drake relays and the State track meets. Staying in a hotel with all my friends and being on such a big stage is really exciting and fun.
4. Your track & field event coach(es)? Don Oberle, Bill Hoss
5. Keys to your successful track & field training program? Definitely starting young was a big advantage in my success. I started officially running track at the age of nine and made it to the Hersey National Track meet at age 10.
6. Your favorite track & field meet? Drake Relays
7. Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?
8. Your greatest experience in track & field so far? My freshman year of track I was on a 4x4 team with Preston Ives, Nate Burger, and Brenden Doughrtey. The greatest feeling ever was winning State in that event and breaking the State record. The video was posted on You Tube and every time I watch it I remember that feeling.
9. Goals for the 2012 track & field season? Just coming off an injury it's tough to know how well I will be able to perform in the 2012 season; but I know our team has a goal just like every year we wanna win a state championship. I think we have the tools to do it this year but we have to put in the hard work first. Our sprinters are our biggest asset this year but have a few weapons long distance as well.
10. Long-term goals in track & field? I do not have any long term goals when it comes to track as I am going to Iowa to play football.