March 18, 2008

What is the biggest misconception about your event?
"I am a triple jumper, long jumper, and a former high jumper. When you tell someone that you are a jumper, he/she automatically assumes it's long and/or high jump that you do. Many people forget about triple jump. First of all, not many people in the state of Ohio understand or even know what triple jump is...this is mostly because in high schools around here, they don't compete in triple jump at meets. One common deception people have is that it is completely impossible to jump as far as we do in just three consecutive jumps, but believe me, it CAN and WILL be done!" -- Andrea Funk

"That it takes little effort to high jump." - Tiffany Maske

"People often confuse high jump with pole vault." - Megan Sweeney

"That it's easy. People think that it looks and seems easy until they learn about all the technical aspects that are behind it." - Lauryn Fougerousse

How'd you get into jumping and why do you do it now?
"I was a born jumper. I can remember my mother telling me to sit down and sit still all throughout my life. I had so much energy as a kid...actually I STILL have it! I decided it would probably be pretty cool to trying jumping in track for the first time because I was already doing it anyways. That started my love for the jumps because I became very skilled and technical with them." -- Andrea Funk

"My track coach in middle school had me try it out. I ended up being good at high jumping and stuck with this event." - Tiffany Maske

"I started jumping in seventh grade track. They tested our vertical jumps and the highest jumps got sent to learn high jump." - Megan Sweeney

"I started doing it in sixth grade because it looked fun and easy. It is fun, but definitely not easy. I stuck with it all the way through high school and I am still doing it now. I still do it now because I like being a part of a team, I still think its fun even though it's a lot of work, and I like being able to compete at a collegiate level." - Lauryn Fougerousse

If you could compete in any other track event, what would it be and why?
"I DEFINITELY would try pole vaulting! It's considered another jump and not only do I want to conquer and try all the jumps; I also believe that I would be very good at it. I have the strength and background in most jumping and I pick up on things very quickly. Plus, who wouldn't want to try it?! It looks awesome!! " -- Andrea Funk

"Pole vault because it seems like it would be fun to fall from such a tall height." - Tiffany Maske

"I would compete in the 4x400 meter relay. It is the last and most exciting event of a meet." - Megan Sweeney

"I would try pole vault. I know it isn't easy, but it looks so fun!" - Lauryn Fougerousse

What is one thing you want the readers of www.DaytonFlyers.com to know about your sport?
"I want the readers to know that even though we have no home meets and very few close meets, we still would love support! Also, I want them to know that we are a very competitive team that strives for success and that is what has got us so far in the Atlantic 10 Conference. That is also what keeps us improving and loving what we're doing. I believe more support (although it would be difficult) would be just what we need to take us to the top." -- Andrea Funk

"It is all about technique." - Tiffany Maske

"High jump is not `the one with the pole.'" - Megan Sweeney

"Even though it may look easy; there is a lot of work that goes in to it. All the little things can completely change a jump, what the jump looks like, and what the outcome is. There are many technical aspects in jumping, but a spectator who doesn't know much about the sport, doesn't see or understand it completely. It is harder than it looks! " - Lauryn Fougerousse

Where do you go to learn all about jumping?
"It depends on what jump you want to learn about...but honestly if you are good at learning through example, YouTube is your best bet (or come to our meets). I use YouTube all the time for my personal benefit. If you are in need of supplemental instruction, see Head Coach Adam Steinwachs. He's a jumping king! He's got the technique, motivational skills, and love for jumping that any learning jumper would need. He's great! " -- Andrea Funk

"Coach Adam Steinwachs." - Tiffany Maske

"There are a lot of great books or videos, but to really learn jumping I would get someone to teach you one-on-one." - Megan Sweeney

"To learn more about jumping, you can go online or go to the library to find a video on it. You can also contact a jumps coach and they can help explain it more since they are the ones who coach it." - Lauryn Fougerousse

Have you ever had an embarrassing moment during a meet?
"I have had plenty of experiences with sand being in places that you didn't know existed, but that's an everyday thing. One time I tripped over my feet down the runway and did a rolling tumble while spiking myself. Luckily I did not cross the jump board and was able to start over again. " -- Andrea Funk

"I decided to iron my jersey before a meet and i melted it! I had to wear it for the rest of the year (it was my lucky jersey). " - Tiffany Maske

"I knocked over both of the standards when I was in middle school." - Megan Sweeney

"I slipped as I was about to jump and ran into the mat and knocked off the bar, but other than that, no embarrassing moments." - Lauryn Fougerousse