Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly — October 2018 | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2017-18
IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa junior Antonio Woodard specializes in short sprints for the Hawkeyes’ track and field team.
In his first two seasons, Woodard set four personal records in the 60 meters (6.85), 100 meters (10.34, ranking ninth in school history), 200 meters (20.61, ranking sixth in school history), and 400 meters (49.44). As a member of the ninth-place 1,600-meter relay team at the 2018 NCAA Championships, he received All-America honors and etched his name into the record book with the 10th fastest time (3:04.93) in school history.
Woodard is a native of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and is majoring in sociology with interest in criminology and minoring in theater.
What are you most excited for this year as a Hawkeye?
“Having a fresh start with my new and old teammates. I want to see us all do well and fight until the very end!”
What do you want to achieve this season (personally and as a team)?
“An individual Big Ten title and a men’s Big Ten Championship team title.”
What is your best advice for the freshmen?
“Always show up to take care of business and have fun while doing it.”
What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a coach?
“One: ’In order to be an elite athlete, you have to live the life of one.’ – Coach Woody. The lifestyle is simple, tedious, and a bit repetitive but the bigger picture is rewarding.
“Two: ‘In order to run a time you’ve never run before, you have to take your body to a place it’s never been.’ – Mark Scott.”
If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be?
“Beyoncé! I absolutely LOVE that woman!”
Who has been the most influential to you at Iowa?
“Brittany Brown and Jahisha Thomas. Brittany and I knew each other long before we both came to Iowa, and we have seen each other grow and flourish together as teammates. She has always been a big sister to me. Jahisha is perhaps the sweetest, most caring, supportive, and loving human being to ever walk the face of the earth. This is not up for debate.”
If not track & field, what sport would you play?
“Volleyball, I could watch and play it all day long.”
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
“ALLYSON FELIX.”
When you’re not practicing, what is your favorite thing to do?
“Eat and sing, in that order.”
What’s your favorite cheesy pick-up line and have you ever used it in real life?
“Favorite pick up line? I’m no mathematician, but I’m pretty good with numbers. Tell you what, give me yours and watch what I can do with it. Used in real life? Pending.”
How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
“It’s a no for me.”
Where’s your favorite spot on campus?
“Either my bed because I love to nap, or the Voxman Music Building because I get to sing my little heart out in the piano rooms.”
What is your favorite meal?
“Cajun chicken linguini alfredo, with shrimp, my homemade spaghetti, or a New York Strip steak cooked medium well with a bacon butter enhancement, garlic mashed potatoes, and BBQ bison meatballs with no coleslaw (Shout out to Iowa Chop House!) Oh, how could I forget Chick-Fil-A!”
