On the record with: Bardstown senior J.P. Willett

March 26th, 2010 Posted in 2009

Bearno’s Student-Athlete of the Week

  

 Photo by Peter W. Zubaty

Bardstown’s J.P. Willett won the Class 1A individual state pole vault crown as a junior, and he’s gunning for a repeat this season.

By Peter W. Zubaty

Bardstown senior J.P. Willett is this week’s nominee for Bearno’s Student-Athlete of the Week.

Willett, one of a long line of state-champion pole-vaulters at Bardstown High, carries a 3.3 GPA and hopes to continue his track career at either Ole Miss or Western Kentucky, where he would like to study physical therapy.

Willett is rebounding from a hand injury that cut short his senior football season, and is also involved in the Pep Club and Teens Being Active.

Kentucky Standard sports editor Peter W. Zubaty caught up with Willett to better get to know him.

 PZ: What do you enjoy most about track and field?

JPW: The thing I enjoy most about track and field is the time of year and being with my friends.

PZ: What’s your favorite TV show?

JPW: Sportscenter

PZ: What does it mean to you to be a leader?

JPW: To be a leader means to pick up your team and encourage them to work harder during practice when they are slacking off.

PZ: Do you have a favorite pre-meet or pre-game meal?

JPW: Subway

PZ: What has been your biggest thrill in track?

JPW: My biggest thrill in track has been being able to win a state championship as a team, and winning an individual state title as well.

PZ: Do you have a favorite singer?

JPW: Lil Wayne

PZ: What’s different about track as opposed to other sports?

JPW: Track is different because even though you train and perform as an individual, the greatest rewards come from what you achieve as a team.

PZ: There’s a lot of down time in between vaults while at a meet. How do you manage that down time and stay focused?

JPW: I manage to stay focused between vaults by trying to stay warmed up, doing drills, and not worrying about what bars the other competitors miss or make.

PZ: There probably isn’t much time left over after fulfilling your school-related obligations. What do you like to do when you have some precious free time?

JPW: I like to hang out with friends and watch UK basketball during my free time.

 

Watch Willett’s TV interview today on Zubaty-Bahm Sports Week at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on PLG-TV 13 or online at www.plgtv.com.