Woodward junior Denzal Emery was a state qualifier in the 110 meter hurdles as a freshman in 2021 after finishing second with a time of 17.18 at a Class 5A West Regional.

Emery, who plays running back on the Boomers’ football team, also competes in the 100 meter dash and is a member of Woodward’s 4×100 meter relay team.

VYPE: What are your goals for this season? 

Denzal: My goal for this track season is to dominate and take state in the hurdles.

VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life? 

Denzal: Something that track has taught me in my daily life is how to be passionate in everything I do.

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade and why?

Denzal: My favorite teacher would have to be Mrs. Cruse, because she’s just so awesome and pushes me to do my best.

VYPE: Who inspires you and why?

Denzal: To be honest, I am self-inspired, because why be the next MJ (Michael Jordan) when you can be the next you.

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why? 

Denzal: A teammate that has left the biggest impression on me is Sam Cheap because he has shown me how to be a leader.

VYPE: What is your favorite part about being on a team?  

Denzal: My favorite part about being on a team is making bonds that will always be remembered in our hearts.

VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation, where do you go and who do you take with you? 

Denzal: If I could pick anywhere to go on vacation I would mostly go to California and hike the mountains, then go to the beach and see pretty ladies;).

VYPE: Why are you passionate about your sport?

Denzal: I am passionate in sports because God blessed me with the gift of athleticism and I know that not everyone gets what I have, and I’m also passionate in sports because I want to inspire others around me to have the same passion.