Leader photo by Morgan Rode Parker Pues will compete in the long jump at the 2018 State Track and Field Championships.
Athlete: Parker Pues
Sport: Track
Event: Long jump
School: Shawano Community High School
Year: Junior
Parker Pues will end his junior track season at the 2018 State Track & Field Championships, competing in the long jump against Division 1 athletes from around the state. Pues earned his spot at the state meet after finishing second in the event at the Ashwaubenon Sectional, leaping to a distance of 22 feet, 7 inches. The mark gives Pues the fourth-best jump heading into state among all the Division 1 long jumpers.
Pues narrowly missed qualifying for state in the 100-meter dash, taking fourth at sectionals. His time of 11.14 tied the Shawano school record. The junior was also a part of the Hawks’ 4x200 relay team this season.
Q When did your interest in track begin?
A Seventh grade, when I found out I was decent at it.
Q What’s your favorite part about a track meet or the track season?
A Being around my friends all the time and when you finally hit a PR (personal record) in an event.
Q You have performed well all season and are now headed to state. What’s helped you be so successful this season?
A Staying focused on what really matters and taking care of your body so you don’t get injured.
Q What things do you need to work on before the state meet?
A My landing in long jump needs some work.
Q What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Shawano track team?
A Qualifying for state was for sure the most memorable one, it’s cool knowing you get to go to such a big meet and see the competition from all over Wisconsin.
Q Do you have any rituals you go through before a track meet?
A I like to listen to music on the bus to get pumped up. Sometimes I sleep, too.
Q Do you look up to any particular athletes? If so, why them?
A Greg Rutherford (a British track and field athlete). He’s a very good long jumper and I love watching his technique.
Q What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in school or competing in a high school sport?
A Playing Dairyland League baseball for the Navarino Rangers. That’s my favorite thing to do during the summer.
Q Favorite TV show, movie, musical artist?
A “The Office”, “The Benchwarmers” and Quinn XCII.
Q Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.
A I absolutely love music.
Q Do you have a favorite quote, verse, or lyrics from a song?
A “All it takes is all you’ve got.”