Special to The Malibu Times
The expression goes, “White men can’t jump.” Someone forgot to tell this to Malibu High School senior Doug Bogie.
Bogie currently ranks in the top 10 in the state of California for high jump (according to DyeStatCal.com), and this year set a school record after clearing 6-feet, 6-inches. His performance has earned him an invitation to the prestigious Arcadia Invitational, held April 9-10, which in the past has produced 24 national records and 125 Olympic athletes.
However, Bogie can do a great deal more than just jump high. He also competes in the long jump, 4×400 meter relay, 4×100 meter relay and 400-meter dash, in which he holds a school record of 51.44 seconds. He is a two-sport varsity athlete, and has competed at the varsity level in track and soccer all four years of his high school career. Bogie also balances his athletics with a course load that includes five AP classes.
Bogie took time out from his schoolwork and training to talk to The Malibu Times about the sports of track and soccer, and balancing the two with schoolwork.
How much technique is involved in the high jump and how much is pure leaping ability?
It’s about fifty-fifty. Jumping definitely helps, but it can only get you so far.
To what do you accredit your extraordinary jumping ability?
I train a lot with a guy named Gil Thomas. He claims he can get anyone to dunk; if you want to improve your jumping abilities, he’s the guy to see.
What do you say to the cliché that white men cannot jump?
There’s no such thing as a person not being able to jump. Even with the most limited abilities, with enough work, it’s possible.
How is your mindset for jumping events different than for running events?
Jumping is a more mental event. For high jump, you have to visualize yourself clearing each bar. You also have to focus on the smallest details, such as running your curve, your take-off, your clearance over the bar and keeping your rhythm. It’s a very technical event.
Is speed something you are born with or something you can develop?
Like jumping, speed is definitely something you can develop. Of course, it helps if a person has some natural ability, but you can also build up your speed.
What is your current training regimen?
I have track practice Monday through Friday at school, and I train at UCLA Tuesdays and Thursdays. On the weekends, I’ll lift weights and do other strength and explosive training exercises.
How many hours per week do you spend working out?
About 13 to 16.
How do you balance practice and training with your schoolwork?
It takes a lot of focus. In order to do both, I have to be willing to cut some other things, like going to the beach and concerts. Even though [school and track] don’t take up my life completely, they still eat up a majority of my time.
Does track and field receive enough notoriety in relation to team sports such as basketball and football?
Yes. Surprisingly, there is a large fan base for track, probably because anyone can do it. There are a large number of events to accommodate all kinds of people. It’s also one of the most popular events in the Olympics, so it definitely gets the attention it deserves.
Which is your favorite sport between track and soccer?
I like them both. You can’t really compare the two; one is a team sport and one is individual. It’s nice having others that you can depend on while you’re playing soccer, and at the same time its fun trying to push and compete against yourself in track.
Do you plan to pursue track in college?
Yes, I plan to try to run track wherever I end up. If I don’t end up at the schools where I’m being recruited to, I’ll try walking on to the college that I attend.