In this case, a few of the better guys had done a lot of different events, so I saw the opportunity was there and I really wanted to win. I think the only thing it comes down to is that race, on that day and who wants it more. After the second race of the outdoor season, I realized I would be in contention for the Big Ten title, but thinking about it all season isn't really going to help me out as far as I'm concerned. It might sound odd, but the thing that keeps me motivated is not thinking about track. What kept you motivated and helped you achieve that? We know one of your goals this season was to lower your personal best in the 400-meter hurdles, and at Big Tens you did that and also took home the top place in that event. It doesn't happen often, but when it does it?s an interesting feeling. You just know that you will somehow win the race. It?s a weird feeling because it?s almost like you no longer have control of what?s going to happen. About halfway through, there will be a point in some races where everything just kind of feels right, and a wave of understanding sets in and you just know your going to win. My other favorite moment is after the race starts and you are feeling people out. Tomorrow, next week, next year, none of it matters except for the race that I'm waiting to run. Its like nothing else exists except for that race. I like it, because I can't look past anything but the race that is in front of me. My legs feel heavy, and I think everyone is going to just run by me. First, I love the moment before the race when I personally become scared and feel like a little boy waiting to race these big fast men. What is your favorite moment during a competition or race and why? Also, it always kept us close as a family. I was too young to realize what that meant at the time, but, now that I look back on it, I think it?s pretty funny. I remember, at one point, our whole family was living in a basement together and my brother and I had to share a closet for a bedroom. As far as life goes, I guess the biggest thing was growing up without a lot of money, since my mother was often providing for us by herself, but since I didn't know any better it didn't really bother me. I've never really been injured and I've had a Cinderella type of career, so I can't complain much. In track, I haven't really had anything to overcome. What are some of the biggest challenges that you've had to overcome? I actually didn't start running the 300 hurdles until my junior year because I had run them once as a freshman and was like, ?Wow that is way too tiring.? It wasn't until my junior year that I said, ?Well, I think that might be my best event, so I better suck it up and starting training a little harder.? My coach at the time, Bill Bixler, ran hurdles when he was in high school and college, so he figured why not toss me in the hurdles and see how I do. But, my mom wouldn't let me miss the season, so she took me out of class, made me get a physical and took me to track practice a day late for try outs. I, however, was always lazy growing up, playing video games and sleeping in late, and I missed tryouts for track. She was always very fast growing up and was convinced that I too would also be fast. I actually was forced to run track by my mother during my freshman year in high school. How did you first get involved with track and the hurdles, and why? Q&A with Big Ten 400-meter hurdles champion Jaret Campisi Get to know Nittany Lions Jaret Campisi and Molly Landreth, who are competing in the NCAA East Regional Track and Field Championships, hosted by Manhattan College in New York City on May 27 and 28.
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