Former Cardinal Gibbons pole vaulter Winston Perry is having great success as a freshman at the University of South Florida. Recently, he cleared a new personal best 16-1 to open the indoor season and has cleared 15 feet in every meet this year. In 2012, Perry was the 3A Runner-Up in the pole vault. See what he has to say about his college experience and advice he has for high school runners and vaulters.
Where did you continue your vaulting career after high school?
I started my vaulting career at USF after high school.
Why did you pick USF?
Why did you pick USF?I chose this school because I felt like the school itself fit me and I really liked the coach and the track facilities the school had to offer. The biggest adjustment I had to make was getting adapted to having a schedule that calls for such a commitment. Keeping up with my classes along with trying to have a good practice everyday and staying focused.
How has your freshman year gone so far?
The college experience so far is much different from high school. I like the fact that I have more freedom, but what makes it difficult is managing my free time and getting things done throughout my day and not being lazy.
You started out the season with with a vault of 16-1 at the Crimson Tide Indoor Opener. What was working on that day?
You started out the season with with a vault of 16-1 at the Crimson Tide Indoor Opener. What was working on that day?
The Alabama meet was awesome. It was my first college meet and I enjoyed every second of it. I remember staying focused from the very beginning until the very end. I think that was the main factor on that 16-1 jump.
You've gone over 15 feet in each of your vaults what do you attribute the growth and success this year to?
You've gone over 15 feet in each of your vaults what do you attribute the growth and success this year to?
I attribute it to having good practices and getting on bigger poles. Both will put me in the right direction to further my success this year.
How is the bond with your new teammates?
How is the bond with your new teammates?
I have a very good bond with my teammates. We always are helping each other out and love seeing each other do well in the meets.
What piece of coaching or advice that someone gave you has been the biggest help?
The best piece of coaching advice is to make the most of every jump. Also not to try and fix everything at once, but just to focus on one thing at a time and get better slowly but surely.
What do you miss most about vaulting in high school?
The thing I miss about vaulting in high school is my team. We had such a awesome group of kids and it made my high school track and field experience so much fun and enjoyable. A good memory was when I won the BCAA meet and jumped 14-6 for the first time, or when I won the Florida relays.
Is there anything you can tell high school athletes to better prepare them for the college experience?
Is there anything you can tell high school athletes to better prepare them for the college experience?
I would tell them to get ready for the academic part of college. At USF our coaches always tell us that we're student athletes and that studies always come first.
More Coverage