This week on '20 questions' we talked to freshman Nolan Hovland. Hovland is ranked third in UND history and sixth in the Big Sky Conference for the high jump. Hovland is also ranked ninth in school history in the triple jump.  

20Q: How did you get started in track & field?

NH: I joined track and field in seventh grade because my older sisters told me that I had to join, but I also wanted to join. Most my friends were in track and field and my older sisters were also really good at track, so I thought I might be good too.

20Q: In your own words, describe your event and what you love about it?

NH: I've done high jump since I started track. I find it great because it's the individual that decides how good they are. I get help from coaches but I don't perform bad if someone else on the team doesn't compete their best that day. It all depends on me. 

20Q: What is your goal for the season?

NH: My goal for the season is to jump seven feet in high jump and jump further than 46'5'' in triple jump. I would also like to place top-five in high jump and top-10 in triple jump at indoor and outdoor conference.

20Q:What does a typical day in your life look like?

NH: I usually wake up and go to Wilkerson for breakfast then go to my classes and practice. After I'm done with practice I go back to the dorms to do homework, have some free time, then go to bed.

20Q: Which athlete inspires you the most?

NH: Tom Hackett. Tom Hackett is from Australia but is a punter for the Utah Utes. He has won the “Ray Guy Award” back to back in 2014 and 2015. “The Ray Guy” award is given to the best college punter in the nation which makes Hackett a very talented individual. But he inspired me when he said after winning the “Ray Guy Award” and was asked why he played football. He responded, “Alright, so the main reason I'm playing this sport is because deep down I'm fat and I don't like running very far. So I'm running 21 yards on and 21 yards off, and that's about all I got for you.” This really hits home for me because if it takes more than 12 steps to do I probably shouldn't do it.

20Q:What would you like to be remembered for?

NH: I would like to be remembered as someone who was a hard worker, someone who gave it their all. I also want to be remembered as good teammate, not just someone who made themselves better but also the people around them. 

20Q: What is your pre-competition ritual if you have one?

NH: I generally just listen to music about 10 minutes before the competition starts and get focused and relaxed. I always eat something before I go and compete because it helps settle my stomach and get my mind off the event.

20Q: What are your hobbies outside of athletics?

NH: I play basketball, video games, and like to spend most of time doing nothing. 

20Q: What is the best thing about living where you do?

NH: It's far enough from home that I can get away from my parents but close enough that if I need anything I can go get it. 

20Q: Name one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?

NH: I have two older sisters that have done college track.

20Q: The worst or most challenging part of being an athlete?

NH: The time it takes for practice and meets. You have to really budget your time or else it's just feels like you're always doing everything last minute. This takes time away from doing things outside of school so it feels like sometimes all I do is track and school.

20Q: The best part of being an athlete?

NH: Traveling and the people you meet. We get to go to really cool places like California, and I've met some great people on the team.

20Q: If you weren't an athlete, what would you be doing?

NH: I probably would just go to school and would play in intramural basketball and other sports.

20Q: If you could do any event in track & field, what would it be & why?

NH: Pole vault. It seems like a really fun event and I've always been interested in it but haven't done it since seventh grade.

20Q: Who has made the biggest impact in your life?

NH: My dad has been really big influence on me. He always gives me advice on what to do whether it sports, school, or personal. 

20Q: What is your goal after you graduate?

NH: Pursue a career with my electrical engineering degree.

20Q: How would your teammates describe you?

NH: Lanky, funny, and competitive.

20Q: What is your favorite movie of all time? Why?

NH: The Other Guys. I think Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are extremely funny in that movie and I still laugh every time I watch it.

20Q: Which road-trip are you most looking forward to this season and why?

NH: Going to California because I've never been there before and it'll hopefully be warm.

20Q: What makes UND special to you?

NH: The people at UND. They are very kind and considerate, not just individuals but almost everyone you meet, which makes UND feel very welcoming.