Men's Track and Field 4/9/2025 1:25:00 PM Monte Perez

Spotlight on UFTL Track

By Monte Perez

We Interviewed Head Track Coach, Wilbert Johnson for this week's spotlight article.

1) As your 1^st year as the UFTL track coach, what were some of your goals?

On of my goals was to have members on the team nationally ranked. Thus far, I have 2 members who are nationally ranked in 3 different events.

2 ) As a former elite track star, how did your running career help you in your coaching career?

A few of the ways it has catapulted my coaching career is:

Having a very competitive edge.
Forming relationships with other coaches. understanding the dynamics of how to carefully approach different type of athletes.
Able to maintain a positive culture of athletes from different environments.

3) Talk about some of the track meets you had this season and what UFTL athletes have had success?

This season we were at University of Miami twice. KyJuan Higgins stood out, he competed in the 400 & 200 meters which catapulted him to be nationally ranked In the NCCAA. He is currently ranked #31 in the 200m & #7 in the 400m.

4) What is your goal for next season with the track team?

My goal for next season is to have more numbers on both the men and women's side. I want to have several athletes ranked nationally, and finish in the top 5 in the NCCAA, when it comes to team competition.

5) Who else would you like to spotlight on this team?

Fodney Mertilus who currently runs the men's 400 hurdles is ranked #22 in this event. He has always been a distance runner. This is an amazing accomplishment considering he has never participated in the 400 hurdles. After having a few conversations with him, he decided to give it a go. He has been thriving and should only get better with more experience.

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Players Mentioned

Fodney Mertilus: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Fodney Mertilus
: Freshman