Jumping to New Heights with Dean Wood
The 2010 Kent State Men's Track and Field team looks to capture their second straight indoor MAC title in less than four weeks. As the team prepares to take on the challenge after winning their first ever men's indoor championship in 2009, the help of returning athletes including, high jumper Dean Wood of New South Wales, Australia, know what it will take to earn the victory. The Mid-American Conference Indoor Championships will be held in Mount Pleasant, Michigan home of the Central Michigan Chippewas. However, before Wood takes on the feat of jumping to incredible heights in hopes of winning his second indoor title, we were able to catch up with him and get some insight on how much change he has overcome since entering the United States.
1. Now that you have been at Kent State for a year, how have you been able to adapt to your new surroundings?
Being three years out of high school I found the transition into college a little tough, but with the support of my peers, they helped me keep on top of the studies. The cold weather and snow was a shock to the system!! Only seeing snow twice before in my life, to getting off the plane to a sheet of white ice was different to the norms of my home town. The track team and new mates have helped me into the college lifestyle and continue guiding me to success in my studies and track goals.
2. Has there been a change in coaching technique and style here in the USA compared to at home in Australia?
My old coach back at home in Australia brought me a long way in developing me as a high jumper, and now under the watchful eye of head coach Bill Lawson, he is helping me further develop and improve my technique. Coach Lawson has and continues to help me perfect my technique so I can continue to hit the higher heights.
3. How long have you been competing in track and field?
I began track and field at the age of nine. The first time I high jumped was at my year 3 school athletics carnival and I jumped 1.18m. one of the teachers suggested my mum sign me up to little athletics which she did and that year I went on to take second place at our little athletics state carnival.
4. Being a two-time national champion back home, does that rank as your proudest moment in your years of competition in track and field?
Absolutely loving track and field, I have had both my highs and lows in competition. Claiming national titles is a great feeling, but the 2 that stand out as proud moments is definitely taking out the MAC indoor team title and the other one is the chance I had in jumping in the 2008 Beijing Olympic stadium just prior to the Olympic games.
5. You provisionally qualified early this indoor season in the high jump with a mark of 7'-0.75". How did it feel to know that you qualified so early with the entire indoor season just getting underway?
It has been a great start to the indoor season! Still jumping off a short approach and to be jumping these heights is a big step in the right direction. I'm starting to pull back to my full run, so hopefully I find the Rhythm for a big jump in the Akron Invitational next week.
6. Being so far from home, is it tough to not have your family and friends around you?
At the start it was a little tough, but the friends I have made here are incredible. The support and friendship they have shown to make me feel at home is phenomenal. Cheers guys
7. Your teammate, Rob Falchi, is from Australia as well. Were you two friends prior to coming to the States?
Yeah Rob and I have known each other for a good 7-8 years now. Rob and I used to compete against each other in the long, triple and high jump, and throughout the years have gained a good friendship. It was great that we both came over at the same time as we helped each other through the adjustments of a new life
8. What is your ultimate goal once you leave Kent State University?
Hopefully attain a successful job and continue the final years of my track and field career at a high level.
9. Being a business administration and management major, what do you see yourself doing career-wise?
Having 3 years off school helped me decide the major I wish to achieve. I worked in the hospitality industry and worked my way through the gaming floor and from behind the bar to attain the membership coordinator position. I'm aiming for a minor in hospitality management so I hope that my college degree can one day lead me to manage a hotel or resort.
