This week on '20 Questions' we learned a little bit more about senior high jumper Aubrey Hovland. Hovland holds the ninth and tenth spots in UND history in the indoor and outdoor high jump. 

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

AH: When I was young my parents signed my siblings and I up for a youth track program called Hershey Track and Field. I was about 9 years old when I started. 

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

AH: High jump: Run for 5 steps straight, 5 steps on a curve, and then jump over a bar. 

I really love high jump because it's a very technical event. You have to have good body awareness if you're going to be good at it. It's also a lot harder than people think, but they don't know that until they try it out for themselves. Not going to lie, it's pretty funny watching people try to high jump who have never done it before. 

20Q:What is your goal for the season?

AH: For the indoor season, I'd like to jump 5'5” and place top 5 at conference. For the outdoor season I'd like to jump 5'8 and place top 5 in conference. 

20Q: What was the best advice ever given to you?

AH: Work hard. Putting your best effort forward often leads to success. Even if it doesn't work out, you won't have such a sense of regret when it's all said and done because you tried your hardest.

20Q: Which athlete inspires you the most?

AH: My dad. Growing up I learned that he's such a competitor and pays attention to every detail so he can win. He's very good at figuring out weaknesses and strengths, and then playing those to his advantage. This mentality helped him have a successful college career as a baseball pitcher at UND. He was also inducted into the North Dakota baseball hall of fame, so I think he's kind of a big deal. 

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

AH: I'd like to be remembered as the person who could make people laugh and had a positive attitude. 

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

AH: I don't really have one. I just do whatever I feel like I have to do to compete well. 

20Q: What are your hobbies outside of athletics?

AH: I play piano in what little free time I have. I also like to watch scary movies, watch family guy, and get together with friends. 

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

AH: I have traveled to 7 different countries in Europe: France, England, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. I actually went for a run in the Swiss Alps and it was unreal. I'm really hoping to make it back to travel to more countries in Europe. 

20Q: The best part of being an athlete?

AH: I'd say it's getting to be a part of a second family. Some of my closet friends are my teammates and I really enjoy getting to be a part of a close team. I've formed lifelong relationships on the track team, and it's been a once in a lifetime experience. 

20Q: Which teammate inspires you the most and why?

AH: I'd have to say my teammate Kya Glenn. She battles with depression and is open about it because she wants to fight the stigma that comes with the mental disorder. I think it's very brave because many athletes and people don't come forward because they're afraid people will look at them differently. Kya is a great person, and I think she is doing a fantastic job of helping people realize that depression affects more people than we realize. 

20Q: What are three things on your bucket list?

AH: I want to jump 5'8” so then I can say I can jump over myself. 

I love to travel, so I'd like to get a job that can financially support my travel expenses.

I want to skydive over a tropical location.  

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

AH: I'd love to throw javelin. You get to chuck a spear, I think that's pretty neat. 

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

AH: My parents and grandparents. From when I was growing up to when I was in high school, they made a point of making it to every single event of mine that they could. Their support over the years have given me a lot of confidence, and I am very grateful for that. 

20Q: What is your goal after you graduate?

AH: Like I said earlier, I'd like a job that will financially support my love of traveling. Other than that, I have no idea. 

20Q: How would your teammates describe you?

AH: They would describe me as someone who is really sarcastic and likes to laugh. They'd say I nap a lot and watch too much Family Guy. They've given me the nickname “grandma” because my body gets injured really easily. And, they joke that they're surprised I'm not dead yet, because I got really sick last year during track and was out of practicing for about a month. 

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

AH: Deadpool. That movie is my exact sense of humor. 

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

AH: I love the trip to Myrtle Beach because all we do is practice, go to a couple of meets, hang out, and go to the beach. It's like you get a paid spring break trip and all they ask is that you perform well at meets. I think that's a pretty reasonable exchange. 

20Q: What makes UND special to you?

AH: My grandparents, my mom, and my dad all went to school here, so it's fun that I get to be a part of a family tradition. My mom and dad told stories about UND when I was growing up, and it sounded like a great place to go. 

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

AH: I like Grand Forks because it's a very friendly place and it's the perfect size. I don't feel like it's too big for me, but it doesn't feel small either.