Willis Puts a Positive Spin on His New Daily Schedule

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Just as University of Louisville freshman Jeremiah Willis was adjusting to being a collegiate student-athlete everything came to a halt. And like all athletes across the nation, Willis is trying to add that structure back into this new normal.

As an intercollegiate student-athlete, you are very busy. Your typical day may look something like this: wake up and eat breakfast before classes, go to classes, find time to eat lunch, go to afternoon practice, eat dinner before study hall, go to study hall, go back to your room for more homework/studying/hanging out with friends, and go to bed. Then you wake up the next day and do it all over again!

Now back home in New York, Willis has had to find a way to motivate himself without a place to workout. After reality set in, he focused on his goals and dreams and began to prepare for next season.

"I never would've thought that without track I would become so stationary," said Willis. "Early on I found myself stuck in the house doing absolutely nothing. So, at first, I kind of took advantage of the "free vacation" the COVID-19 gave me, but dreams do not get reached when you are on vacation. So, I latched back on to the goals I set for myself - winning ACCs, NCAAs, and Olympics. I now do my own workouts in my garage and try to stay caught up in school."

Willis worked hard to implement some technical changes Coach Petersmeyer put in place early in the season and was really beginning to find his groove. He had an outstanding freshman indoor season competing in the long jump and triple jump and was looking to build off that momentum heading into the outdoor season. In all six meets he finished in the top eight. His best finish in the long jump was at the Tyson Invitational where he finished second with a mark of 7.48m/24'6.5".

"Practice was going great and I really thought in outdoor it would all click for the team," said Willis. "I felt based off how we were practicing, that in the outdoor season we were going to sweep every meet but I guess we have to wait."

So, as we wait as a country to get back to our normal lives, Willis is adjusting to yet another way of life. He adjusting to working out in his garage as he prepares to pick up where he left off this season.

"Well, I hate that outdoor has been stopped due to the COVID-19 but I do understand that somethings are just out of my control," Willis said. "My garage is like my new Marshall center but worse. There are no snacks and no amazing nutrition shakes."

And lastly, the thing he misses most about campus is Panda Express found in the student activities center.

"Crazy I know, but lastly one thing I miss about campus is Panda Express," said Willis. "Stay blessed and stay safe and God Bless America.

Jeremiah's Favorites
Movie: The Polar Express
TV Show: Dragon Ball Z
Athlete: Mike Tyson
Cereal: Cocoa Pebbles
Candy Bar: Snickers, because I'm never satisfied
Food: Fried Chicken
Teams: Anything from the city of Chicago
Restaurant: Olive Garden
Music: Any music
Class: Practice

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