Jan. 8, 2009

FAIRFAX, Va. - Last season, Dwight Webley became the second consecutive Mason freshman to earn CAA Rookie of the Year honors, following in the footsteps of Michael Pachella. Webley won the long jump at the CAA Championships with a leap of 23 ft. 10 in. (7.26m) and placed second in the triple jump with a jump of 49 ft. 7 in. (15.11m) before competing in the NCAA East Regional Championships in both events. Webley recently sat down with GoMason.com to answer a few questions as he prepares for his sophomore season.

Question: After a full year of collegiate competition behind you, what expectations do you have for yourself in the upcoming season?
Webley: After completing one year of college, I have a lot of expectations for myself both academically and athletically but in regards to athletics my expectations are very high for this upcoming season. Most importantly, I want to earn a spot in the George Mason all-time record book in both the long jump and triple jump.

Question: What are your expectations for the team this season?
Webley: Well, from what I've seen in practice so far, the team looks very good. The team is going to be real competitive next season because more guys look focused than last year. This year's freshman class is going to make major contributions as well.

Question: Which upperclassmen helped you transition last year from high school to the collegiate level?
Webley: Well, basically, I was able to make that transition on my own, with the way I want to live my life and the personality I have. In life, change is constant and that was one change that I was mentally prepared for, but the stuff that I didn't know about or expect coming in, I would say Brian Hay and Ryan McCoy helped me make the transition the most.

Question: Was there a big transition when you moved from Jamaica to the United States?
Webley: There was definitely a big transition in moving from Jamaica to the United States, not just as an athlete but in general because it's a totally different culture and things are very different. The people and the weather are two major differences, so the biggest transition was for me to accept those things.

Question: What was it like watching a fellow Jamaican athlete, Usain Bolt, set so many records at the Olympics?
Webley: It was a wonderful experience to watch Usain at the Olympics setting so many records because that's the highest level of competition and to be the best at that level you can't ask for more. And for him to be Jamaican makes me even prouder to be a Jamaican; it was also motivational for me.

Question: How have Coach Gerard and his staff helped you become a better athlete?
Webley: Coach Gerard and his staff helped me take major steps to become a better athlete. They taught me to be more competitive, unlike in high school where I only competed with my own age group, which was much easier. Through training, they have helped improve my overall body and core strength.

Question: What was it like competing in the NCAA East Regional Championships last year as a freshman?
Webley: Competing in the NCAA East Regional was a wonderful experience; it has given me the opportunity to know what it's like to compete at that level as a freshman so when I go back the following years I will know exactly what to do.

Question: You competed in the heptathlon in high school, have you thought about competing in the decathlon in college?
Webley: Yes, I competed in the heptathlon in high school but I haven't given the decathlon much thought in college because it has more events and it requires much more work. Another reason is that the decathlete has a great deal of work to do and doesn't get much recognition in track and field, so I chose to concentrate on the jumps, which are my best events. I can excel real fast in those if I concentrate on them only.

Question: What made you choose to come to Mason?
Webley: I chose George Mason because it has a rich tradition of Jamaican athletes and it was a school my high school coach recommended. There is a good coaching system here and it's also a great school academically as well.

Question: What kind of music are you listening to on your iPod right now?
Webley: I mainly listen to gospel music. I also listen to reggae music when I'm not listening to gospel.

Question: What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Webley: My favorite things to do in my spare time are listen to music, party, go dancing and chill with my friends.