Oakland Mills senior Gabriel Murray left an indelible mark at the Howard County indoor track and field county championships last week. He earned a pair of gold medals, including setting a meet record in the 55-meter hurdles.
In the latest edition of Varsity Q&A, Murray spoke with the Howard County Times about those accomplishments.
Note: Questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
What was your mentality heading into the county championships?
My mindset coming in was I’ve got to the best. I was really confident coming in because I ran a good meet the week before. I had good momentum, and I just had to hold it down and do my thing.
How confident did you feel in the 55-meter hurdle finals after setting a personal record in the preliminaries?
I was way more confident because before the meet happened; I wasn’t too confident in my start. I’m not really a good starter but getting it down during the preliminaries gave me a really big confidence boost. Knowing I can have a good start would make my time be good.
What was the key to improving your starts?
I would say hitting the weight room was key. It got me more powerful, explosive and it also improved my reaction time.
At what point did you realize that you set a meet record and what were your emotions in that moment?
I actually didn’t know until I got home, and I was extremely happy. I knew I had in me, but it was just amazing. Last year, I was injured, and this is my first indoor season. Coming out this strong is an honor.
What are your thoughts when you hear that your 55-meter hurdle time is second in Maryland and No. 18 in the U.S.?
Extreme happy emotions.
What is the mental transition you make from the 55-meter hurdle preliminaries to racing the 300?
You’ve just got to take it one race at a time. You can’t focus on if you do good or bad in an event. You’ve just got to think, ‘It’s a new event and I’m going to run well in this event too.’
How does that healthy competition fuel you, having two teammates also finish in the top four of the 55 hurdles and the 300?
It helps a lot because I know I can push them. They can push me. In practice, we push each other a lot too. Also, in the hurdles we finished first, second and third. It’s just like practice at this point.
What is that waiting period like after winning the 300 and waiting until the 55-meter hurdle finals?
So, I would see my time and be all happy about it. At the end of the day, it’s just a race. I know for the 300 too I’m going to have to run fast and brush past the 55. I just need to lock in, focus up and get ready for the 300.
Was there any extra motivation for you competing as a senior in your final indoor county championship?
Oh, a lot more motivation. I know I have more left in my bones, and I know what I’m capable of. I’ve just got to show it.
What are you most looking forward to at regionals and states?
I’m looking forward to setting personal records and running good times.
Do you have any pre-race superstitions?
So, before event I pray. I manifest my race. Even before the meet, I would write down times I want to achieve and a lot of times it actually works. I also listen to music, too. I try not to talk to a lot of people and get me distracted. I just stay locked in.
Do you have a go-to pre-race song or playlist?
So, I’m a big Rod Wave fan. There’s a lot of songs from him. A song I would pick would be “Last Lap”.
What is your favorite aspect of both the 55-meter hurdles and the 300?
I would say the second part of the race. My first part of the race it’s OK, but it needs improving. The finishes of my races, they’re really strong and that’s what I take pride in most. Showing that I have an ability to finish well it’s an honor.
What did it mean to you to play such a big part in the team’s county title?
It’s amazing. Back in my sophomore year, I was watching all the fast people winning things. Me being in this position now, it’s amazing. I can really be like how they were.
What is your favorite track and field memory at Oakland Mills?
I would say winning the 300-meter hurdles at outdoor states last season.
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