What was your most memorable meet?
My most memorable meet was when I jumped 15’ in the pole vault against a huge headwind. My Biggest competition over my four years would have to be States 2013 because we had five jumpers who had all cleared 15’ and were all so close to the title.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would have to be when I was told by my now college coach how good of a pole vaulter I was and how he knows I can jump so much higher.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your jumping career in high school?
If I could do it all over again, I would probably push myself a little harder and force myself to jump on bigger poles and have no fear.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacles I had to overcome would have to be this past season dealing with all the stress of choosing a college, because through stressing I battled through injuries that I had to push past in order to finish the season.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the relationship I had with my teammates and I can’t thank my partner in crime, my pole vault duo, Princy Dorsainvil, enough for how much he pushed me to be the best I could. I was glad to run the county and state the past four years with him.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
I would tell younger athletes to realize there are no limits and push yourself and greatness will come. Through my experience I’ve grasped that and become the athlete I am today and now I can take my talents to the University of South Florida to pursue my dream.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My head track coach has taught me to be a hard worker and never give up on goals and they can be achieved. I can’t thank Coach Butts enough for teaching me that. As for my Pole Vault coach, since day one he’s taught me everything there is to know about pole vaulting. It is a funny story actually, my brother is the one who taught me how to pole vault and he learned through YouTube videos.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me since day one. Qithout them I would know what to do. I would like to thank Coach Butts for pushing me to become an animal in the weight room as well as a well-rounded person. I’d like to thank my brother Ryan Chernoff, for even getting me into this crazy sport and pushing me to where I am today. I’d like to thank Coach Marsh and the University of South Florida for believing in me since day one and helping me take my talents to the next level.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Go Bulls and thanks again to Coach Marsh for letting me continue pursuing my dream of making the Olympic team.
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Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: TGrasley@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2013 on all their hard work and success.