PreRaceJitters’ Q&A: Arizona’s Liz Patterson Flying to the Next Level

The Dallas-area native high jumper is looking to end her collegiate career on top.

In a battle of the best, she battled Destinee Hooker at last year’s NCAA Indoor Championships pushing the eventual winner NCAA to set a new collegiate record (6-6), while at the same time grabbing the best performance of her life at 6-4.75.

This year is about Liz Patterson getting to the next level, leaving her mark on the game, and proving she can dominate from week and week in the 2010 season. Coming into the indoor season, the Arizona senior is arguably the top jumper posting the nation’s best jump of 6-3.25 at the Lumberjack Invitation in the January 16 season opener.

PreRaceJitters.com caught up with Patterson to discuss the 2010 season and more.

PRJ: If I asked your friends to describe you  and to tell me a little about you – what would they say?

LP: I think they would say I’m a fun, laid back person and easy to get along with.

PRJ: Where do you hail from and how did you get involved in track and field?

LP: I was born in Dallas and raised in Beaumont, TX. I chose to run track because I did not make the volleyball or basketball teams. Track was the only sport in my middle school that anyone could participate in.

PRJ: Describe your first track and field competition?

LP: I was in the 7th grade when I had my first track meet. I thought I was so cool because I was finally part of a team. That year I only ran the 300m hurdles, so track meets were really a time when I hung out with my friends and met new ones.

PRJ: How old were you when you first cleared five feet?

LP: I cleared 5 feet for the first time when I was in the 9th grade.

PRJ: How do your personal records (prs) from high school compare to where you are right now and how has your knowledge of training and competing evolved in the process?

LP: In high school I had a pr of 1.75m in the high jump and now my best is 1.95m. In college I have learned so much about the fundamentals of high jump. While I was in high school my objective was very basic, which was to just run and jump as high as I could at the time.

At Arizona, my coaches have taught me how important it is to lift weights, do plyos, and to consistently run a good approach to the bar. I have matured as an athlete and try to use my knowledge and experiences to help out my younger teammates whenever I can.

PRJ: What do you consider your greatest achievement so far as an athlete?

LP: Winning NCAA’s in 2008.

PRJ: What was your training like in the fall semester?

LP: Fall training went well. I feel stronger and faster this year. I also spent a lot of time taking care of my body to help prevent aches and pains.

PRJ: Last season you had another impressive season earning two national runners up in College Station and Fayetteville. Ultimately it came down to a two person jump off between you and Texas’ Destiny Hooker to determine the national champion. What did you learn from those experiences?

LP: From those experiences I learned that I must continue to push myself and to remain positive. I’m glad I jumped against Destinee in those meets. I love her competitiveness and drive. She pushed me to obtaining indoor and outdoor pr’s last season.

PRJ: What is your meet strategy in terms of when you come into the competition?

LP: I go into competitions with a positive mind set, and focus on what I want to accomplish that day. My motto is, “Think good, do good”.

PRJ: How are you feeling going into the 2010 indoor season?

LP: I feel really good going into this indoor season. This is my last year and I want to have my best season ever. I’m excited for the season to start, yet sad that my college career is going to be over.

PRJ: What is your reaction to Destinee Hooker forgoing her final year at Texas to play pro volleyball?

LP: I’m excited for her and I know she will do well in her professional volleyball career.

PRJ: This is your senior year and you earned a national champion in 2008 and twice last year you earned runner up honors last season. It is often overlooked is that you set personal bests at indoor and outdoor nationals in those performances. What are your goals for this season and what are the goals of this Arizona team?

LP: My main goals for this season are to be better than I ever was in my previous seasons, and to go out on top. I still have a lot to learn and many things to practice on.

Our team goals are for both men and women are to place in the top 5 at Pac-10s, and to get as many regional and national qualifiers as we can. The team chemistry of this year’s team is the best it has ever been since I’ve been at Arizona. If we continue to push one another in practice and at meets we will reach and exceed our goals.

PRJ: Outside of what you are doing, how closely do you follow college and elite track and field?

LP: Since I’ve been in school I have really gotten into the sport. During the season I will look at results from different meets just to see how everyone is running, jumping, and throwing.

I wish track and field received more recognition in this country because it really is a fun and exciting sport.

The Run Off
PRJ: What song right now makes you makes your dance when it comes on?
LP: Six Tre G - Fresh Dressed.

PRJ: How did you spend your summer in 2009?
LP: I was enrolled in two class during summer school.

PRJ: What celebrity would you most like to meet?
LP: Beyonce, I would probably pass out if I ever met her.

PRJ: If you were not competing in track and field, what would you be doing?
LP: I would probably be playing volleyball or going to school somewhere back home.

PRJ: What is your pre-game ritual?
LP: Before leaving the hotel Jazzy Day [teammate Jasmin Day] and I put the jams on and sing and dance around. We do it before every meet.

PRJ: Kobe or D-Wade?
LP: Kobe

PRJ: Who would fit in most at your family reunion: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves or Prince, the musician?

LP: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, there are lots of comedians in my family.

PRJ: Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you.
LP: I play the viola.

PRJ: Do you get preracejitters?
LP: Yes, every meet!

PRJ: Liz, thank you for your time and best of luck this season.

2009 D-1 Outdoor Track & Field Championships Coverage

About the meet

PreRaceJitters will provide coverage from the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships hosted by the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The final two days will be aired on television. Check out the meet’s official website.

2009 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships: Live Results

Performance Lists: Men’s | Women’s

Live television coverage:
• Friday, June 12, 7:00PM ET, CBS College Sports
• Saturday, June 13, 1:00PM ET, CBS Sports

Meet Review and Results:

Instant AnalysisGet the round up of all of the Day 1 action. The daily wrap up upon conclusion of meet.

Results Check out the complete results from the 2009 Track & Field Championships.

Videos:

NCAA Videos The PRJ videos from the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Check out video interviews from Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Photos:

2009 NCAA Track Championships

Photos

Live Updates:

Twitter Follow our live updates from the Adidas Track Classic on Twitter.

PreRaceJitters’ Fan Page on Facebook Get exclusive information on PreRaceJitters’ Fan Page on Facebook.

Track Meet Podcasts:

Charles Clark The PRJ Podcast catches up with one of colleges most entertaining figures on and off the track.

Jenny Barringer The PRJ Podcast sits down with one of college track and field’s most indeliable figures.

Elizabeth Patterson The PRJ Podcast sits down with the Arizona high jumper.

Calvin Smith Press Conference with Jennifer Stuczynski, Maurice Greene and Allyson Felix.

Porscha Lucas The PRJ Podcast sits down with the Arizona high jumper.

Geena Gall The 2008 NCAA Outdoor 800m champions talks with the PRJ Podcast.

Post-Race Podcasts:

Coming Soon! Coming soon!

Coming Soon! Coming soon!

PreRaceJitters’ Podcast #31 with Liz Patterson of Arizona

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

She is known to be an aggressive high jumper. Elizabeth Patterson found herself in an epic duel for the 2009 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships where she produced her personal best of 6-4.75 in her runner up finish.

The reigning 2008 NCAA champion would like to again make some serious noise in Fayetteville, Arkansas home of the 2009 NCAA Track & Field Championships. Patterson talks about her training routine, her goals for the NCAAs and much more.