Getting to Know......Harrison Witt

photo: MileSplit Colorado

 

Harrison Witt, 18, just completed his senior year at Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch and will matriculate to Princeton University in the fall.  

At his mother's encouragement he took up the sport just four years ago as a freshman. Coming into his senior year with bests of 1:52.87 (800m) and 4:22.67 (1600m), he vastly improved on those times this year running Colorado soil state records of 1:48.50 and 4:04.36.   The 800m time took nearly two seconds off the previous record set by Blake Yount in 2015 and also ties (Cruz Culpepper, 2000) the fastest "all-locations" time ever run by a Coloradan prep.

At Princeton he plans to study engineering.

In our interview below we learn more about his college decision, who he would most like to have dinner with, his favorite food, and his go-to social media platforms.

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How did you get your start in track & field?

I didn't run track until high school, my mom actually convinced me to join after I ran cross country in the fall. She was a distance runner growing up as well and instilled my love for the sport in me. I was on the fence between continuing to play football and baseball or cross country and track until freshman year, and I think I made the right choice. 

What would you consider the two most memorable highlights of your career so far?

This past Colorado state track meet was one of the most memorable weekends of my life. I won both the 800m and 1600m state championships and our 4x800 relay team stepped up and won Mountain Vista's third straight relay championship as well. It was a weekend filled with excitement and relief, and I was overjoyed to be surrounded by friends and family that have supported me for the last four years.  

Sophomore year I anchored our 4x800m relay to victory, and this race was extremely memorable because it was the beginning of my belief in myself that I could accomplish amazing things, overcome large challenges, and become a great distance runner. 

Favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school is math, I enjoy taking logical step-by-step approaches to solve problems, This subject also interests me because of its integration in almost all facets of life and its useful application in solving real world problems. 

Favorite Workout?

My favorite workout is either 200m or 300m repeats. I love getting on the track and lacing up spikes to run fast, and these are useful tools in developing speed and consistency during the racing season. 

Favorite Food?

My favorite foods are tacos, steak, and pasta. I have Buffalo Chicken Taco night with my friends one night a week and my Italian grandmother always makes the best homemade meatballs.

Favorite Restaurant?

My favorite local restaurant is Costa Vida, they have incredible sweet pork. Out of state I enjoy Zupas sandwiches.

Favorite music?

I listen to a lot of old Kanye West, and music by Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky. 

Favorite TV Shows?

I will binge watch Parks and Rec religiously, and have a similar addiction to Seinfeld. I watched Outer Banks on Netflix and I thought it was really good too.  

Which is your go-to social media platform?

Instagram and Snapchat are my go-to's. I probably have an unhealthy addiction with both, but they are quick sources of news and easy ways to make plans with friends. 

If you could have lunch with one person who would it be? 

I would have lunch with Michael Jordan. I would absolutely die for the chance to talk to the G.O.A.T and pick his brain on all of the ways he mentally prepared to become the ferocious competitor he was.  I would ask to take a picture with all of his rings too :).

How about dinner with one person? 

I would have dinner with Nikola Jokic. He is one of the most personable NBA players and always has strong wit and humor to appease a crowd. He is a hometown hero in Denver and I would enjoy talking with him about his stories from back home in Serbia. 

Your Role Model?

My role models are my mother and father. My Dad, Matt, is a creative visionary and always encourages me to chase my dreams while making sure I have a concrete plan of action to do so. He is the most selfless person I have ever met. My Mom, Nicolle, is the most determined and passionate person in our family and taught me from an early age how to work hard and stay focused. She is a huge inspiration. 

Favorite Athlete?

My favorite runner is Centro, Bryce Hoppel, or Craig Engels. All 3 of them are incredible athletes and represent the sport very well. My favorite athlete of any sport currently is the New York Mets pitcher Jacob DeGrom. He is averaging an E.R.A of less than .5 and is absolutely dominating the game right now. 

Goals for remainder of the outdoor season? 

I only have one race left, and it is the mile at Brooks PR in Seattle. My goal is to go compete to the best of my abilities and shoot to break the elusive 4 minute barrier. I am strong and confident and will be racing for my teammates and family, and honoring them by putting forth my very best effort on the track.

You recently announced you would be attending Princeton University in the fall.  What other schools did you consider?

Texas and Michigan rounded out my Top 3 behind Princeton. 

When it came time to make a choice, what were the factors for choosing Princeton over the other schools?

Princeton has an incredible team atmosphere, a coach who cares deeply about his athletes and is motivated to push them to their fullest potentials, and academic rigor that will set me up for my future after college. I also loved that the student population is small, so I can get lots of small group instruction and access to professors in the classroom, as opposed to large lectures taught by T.A.'s 

Do you know what you want to study in college yet?

I want to study some discipline of engineering, potentially environmental, aerospace, or mechanical. I have always been fascinated by finding solutions to real world problems and helping others around the globe in the process. 

What do you want to be doing in 5 years?  10 years?

I want to be running professionally at the Olympics within the next 5-10 years, and if not I would love to be making a difference in my community. Whether that be through civic engagement or community service, I want to give back my time, resources, and energy to people who need it. 

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