Faces off the Field: Che Nwabuko, senior sprinter, Manor

You won three gold medals at the state track and field meet last week. What were your expectations going in?

I was expecting to win all three gold medals. I set that goal out last year after state, and I worked hard to earn those medals.

What does this mean to the school?

It means a lot to the school. Bringing the winning mentality back to the school and showing other athletes that we can make it happen just like I did.

What emotions do you feel when you win a race?

I feel that burst of excitement knowing I accomplished my goal that I set out.

I hear you have big plans next year.

Next year I’m taking my talents to Pitt to play football and run track. I feel like doing both will put a name out there for myself, and also I can show my talents at another place I have never been.

More: Texas signee Brenen Thompson sets track meet ablaze, will bring speed to football in fall

What do you do to stay motivated on days you don't feel like working out? 

Everyone has their bad days, but I feel like even on those days you can still make it better and actually make yourself better and improve and work through it being tough.

If you could have dinner with four people in the history of the world, who would they be?

I will pick Usain Bolt, Elon Musk, LeBron James and my girlfriend Kennedi (Zaradavets).

Why did you pick Kennedi?

My girlfriend is a pretty unusual one, but I feel like she gives me so much support and motivation throughout the day. It keeps me going and moving. Props to her for actually understanding what being an athlete is and how to actually be behind one.

Tell me something about you that most people don't know.

It’s funny because when I was very younger I had a breathing problem, and now I am a three-time state champ.

More: Giddings junior Carlie Weiser wins discus, shot put golds at state track meet

Your older brother Chux played football at Hutto and Texas Tech. Did you guys have a sibling rivalry?

I don’t think it was ever a rivalry. It was more like having an idol in the house. Watching his every move and seeing what I could learn from it.

Do you have any plans for the summer?

I plan on actually heading to the Nike Outdoor Championship in Eugene, Ore., (June 16-19) and then right after I’m heading to Pitt to start my college journey.

Do you have any track rituals or superstitions?

I always get my hair done before big meets, and I make sure I wear mismatch socks during my warmup.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Manor sprinter Che Nwabuko will attend Pittsburgh next year