Male Athlete of the Week: Dennis Hicks

On picture day at Liberty, while the guys try to look strong and steady the girls are getting ready for their big dance. But while head coach Ryan Renz gets his team *picture ready* this season senior Dennis Hicks has been *picture perfect*. 

 

"I try not to really think too much before I go," said Hicks. "I like to keep things loose and not bring a lot of attention to myself." This year attention is hard to avoid. Hicks has finished first in the triple jump in every meet but one and is currently ranked as the #1 triple jumper in the entire state. While his coach says he's obviously talented, that is only a portion of what sets him apart.

 

"He's pretty self motivated. He knows what he needs to do," said 5th year coach Renz. "You don't have to say a lot to him. He'll go out and do well and the marks kind of speak for themselves."

 

Hicks found his sweet spot jumping earlier this year when he beat his personal best by more than a foot and a half but he says the pressure of being number one isn't getting to his head.

 

"Not really pressure because I know that if I go out and do what I'm supposed to do then I should win," said Hicks. 

 

Coach Renz says nothing about his ascent to being one of the top jumpers in the entire country surprises him. "He's had that ability and we knew it was there. It was just a matter of time until he matured and started hitting those marks. Now is the time of year when hopefully he's still progressing, going to better and make a run at that state title," Renz said.