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Davis Helmerich's Best Marks
800 - 1:58.71
1,600 - 4:26.88
3,200 - 10:20
5k - 15:32
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Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing the University of Missouri?
I started the whole recruiting process at the end of my junior year and the summer before my senior year. I reached out to quite a few schools that I would be interested in. I talked to a few schools such as Tennessee, Baylor, Gonzaga, and, of course, Missouri. But, the second I stepped on to the Missouri campus, I had already made my decision. The team atmosphere was great and the campus was beautiful.
Q) What do you plan to study at Missouri?
I plan on studying Sports Journalism with an emphasis on TV and Radio.
Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at Missouri?
I'll definitely be open to whatever Coach Burns thinks is best for me, but I'm excited to try out the 8k during cross country season and then the 1500 during track.
Q) You've had success in the 800 on up to the 5k, which event would you say is your favorite, and why?
I would have to say my favorite event is the 1600 because it's a combination of speed and endurance. I love to get the legs moving on the track but also being able to prove you can stick with it for the four laps. I also enjoy getting to let it roll in the last 200 meters.
Q) You've made consistent gains each year, and more specifically from sophomore to junior year (17:38 down to 15:42), talk about what you've done to make such gains, and your consistency, .
Up until my junior year, I had never thought of running as my top priority as I enjoyed playing other sports such as basketball. But the summer before my junior year I decided to fully invest myself in running and it really paid off. I started paying attention to all of the little things like sleep, nutrition, hydration, and stretching. These things start to add up and really helped me progress.
Q) The first results we have on you on MileSplit is a 20:14 5k, 58th place finish at the 2016 Arapahoe Warrior Invite - what do you remember from this competition?
Yes I remember that race like it was yesterday. It was a fresh/soph race at Dekoevend park. The course was pretty fun as it had a water crossing. I had no clue what I was doing back then. I'm pretty sure I went out way too hard and then paid for it during mile two. It was definitely a learning experience and a great introduction to the 5k.
Q) What got you interested in running in the first place?
The first experience I had of running as "Kids Running America" back in elementary school. We ran one mile every morning for 25 days. Then, we ran the last 1.2 miles downtown with the rest of the participating schools to complete a whole marathon. Then, I ran in middle school and realized I had potential in this sport, so I decided to continue through high school.
Q) Could you share any goals you have for your senior year?
The big team goal this year was to qualify for NXN which we were able to do last weekend in Arizona. So, my next goal is to run the best possible race out in Portland. Then for the track season, I know my team has some big goals for the relays and individually I want to continue to progress and drop my times in the 800 and 1600.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?
There have been some pretty incredible moments in my running career, but the one that tops the rest would have to be winning the 4x800 relay at state last year. We were a bit of an underdog going in to the race, so we knew we were going to have to have our best day if we wanted a chance to win.
Our first two runners did their job and got us an early lead. Then, I was handed the baton for the third leg and continued to hold the lead. Our anchor leg, who was a sophomore at the time, ran one of the best closing legs I have ever seen to get us the win.
