Apopka's Whittaker Is All In: Looks To Sweep 4A Throws

How did you get started in track and field?

 

My P.E coach back in 8th grade at Apopka Middle School wanted me to try out shotput. He brought a ball out when we were out on the field and told me to put it on my neck and throw it and i threw it pretty good. He was the track coach also so it just took off from there.

 

Do you remember your first meet?

 

My first official meet was Orange County Middle School Championship back in my 8th grade year. I was a bit nervous first time and there was a lot of kids there and I was intimidated.

 

Intimidated? You're a pretty big guy.

 

In 8th grade I wasn't that big at all. Also, it was my first time throwing and I never knew exactly what I was doing, but everyone else seem like they did.

 

What do you do to pump yourself up before you throw?

 

I picture my self throwing and go through my progressions in my head. I don't have any rituals or superstitions just a regular warm up routine get focused and ready to throw.

 

Your high school career really took off when you won Florida Relays as a sophomore. You told me that's when it really caught on that you could be an elite thrower. What clicked for you?

 

I just believed in my self and that team we had that year we had a lot of pride and was working really hard. I studied discus and it's technique and week by week with the coaching and online studying I started throwing further and further.

 

What did you learn from guys like Kimlon Dillion and Synjohn Lilly who were on that team with you that finished third at state in 2011?

 

KJ really showed me how to be confident in my self. He was a vocal leader and someone that lead by example also. To see a guy work hard everyday and win track meets even with his diabetes really pushed me to know I can do better. Synjohn showed me that if you work it will pay off he went from 11.1+ runner to a 10.5 guy in a matter of months. All those seniors that year just gave me that push and made me want to win even more so Apopka can be a complete team. The atmosphere and chemistry of all those guys and girls really got me going.

 

Last year you were fourth in the shot and 12th in the discus. How disappointing was that for your and how did it motivate you going into your senior season?
 

Yeah it's been hard for me to know that I was a favorite in the discus my sophomore and junior year and couldn't finish the deal. From being last in shotp ut my sophomore year and not competing to my potential last year; I think about it everyday.

 

You've went over 180 feet in the discus three times this season. You threw 58'9" in the shot to win the regional. Both were new personal bests. How are you feeling with the state meet vastly approaching?

 

Man I'm all in this year. I'm focused and determined especially since it's my last year. I don't want to let myself down, the coaching staff, or anyone else that's been supporting me. I've made sure this year that I stay consistent throughout the year, keep working hard, and staying focused. I'm amped up and ready to go compete and be the champion that I've always wanted to be.

 

What are your final workouts this week in preparation for state?

 

So far this week it's about technique. No more than 20 throws each and a couple warm ups. Ten technique throws that focus on getting foot placement and body position right . The last five throws going for long distances and focusing on getting a lot of power behind the throw

 

What are the goals for state?

 

190-200 feet is the goal for discus and 59-60 feet is the goal for shot put

 

What would it mean for you to cap off your high school career with a state title?

 

It would mean the world to me that all these years I've been working I finally finished off with a state title; two state titles at that.