February 18, 2020
“I think the coaches have pushed me to become better at my events and they encourage athletes to have a small amount of competition at practice,” said Ross.
Will Ross started to pursue an interest in track and field in sixth grade. However, his focus wasn’t only on track and field at the time.
“I’ve played basketball, football, wrestling and soccer,” said the senior and Colorado Springs native. Track and field was not what Ross thought he would be doing in college.
Ross was recruited to UCCS as a basketball player but changed to track and field as a walk-on.
Track and field was something that Ross said he enjoys and allows him the space to feel free.
Ross’ reasoning for switching and sticking with track and field was that he found a great deal of success and decided to pursue it.
Ross competes in long jump and triple jump for the Mountain Lions. “It’s very freeing (and) relaxing,” replied Ross when asked about his favorite aspect of jumping.
“With field events, it means a lot less running,” said Ross. “I don’t necessarily enjoy running too much, but we still have to do some.”
At the Mines Winter Classic and Multi on Feb. 1, Ross placed first in long jump and set his personal record at 7.42 meters.
“I think the coaches have pushed me to become better at my events and they encourage athletes to have a small amount of competition at practice,” said Ross.
Ross’ personal best for the triple jump was set his freshman year during the Last Chance meet at West Texas A&M in May 2017. At that meet, Ross jumped 14.91 meters.
‘Last year at open conference, I had some clutch performances like my last jump,” said Ross. “I’m sitting in third place and with my last jump, I’m able to jump into second or first place.”
This season, at the Mines Winter Classic and Multi on Feb. 1, Ross placed first in long jump and hit his personal record with 7.42 meters.
Ross also placed first in long jump and second in triple jump at the Colorado Running Company Mountain Lion Open on Feb. 7 and 8. with jumps of 7.34 meters and 14.75 meters, respectively.
When he graduates, Ross wants to use his electrical engineering major to find a job in software development.
“Software development interests me and what you can do (with) the ability to build your own programs.”
Ross has one more year at UCCS and would like to achieve All-American honors before he graduates. Ross aspires not only to continue to be a successful athlete but also to find success in all other aspects of his life.