This week’s Athlete of the Week is Jarred Gambrell, a senior jumper for Michigan State track & field.

Gambrell’s collegiate bests include 7.17m/23-6.25 in the long jump and 15.46m/50-8.75 in the triple jump.

Impact Sports journalist, Jordan Yagiela, sat down with Gambrell and learned more about the student-athlete.

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What is your favorite in-season memory?

“My favorite memory would be from my freshman year when my teammate Tori Franklin and I were playing ninja while warming up a day before our meet. We played ninja for a while as our coach just watched in slight concern. Also, we would beatbox and sing the Monster Mash.”

What is your favorite off-season memory?

“Probably being able to do something other than track, such as beach volleyball and basketball with friends over the summer time. I get to use my jumping abilities in a different perspective.”

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

“I slipped on the long board once and did an uncomfortable split in the sand pit.”

If you could have any animal pet, what would it be and why?

“Cheetah because it has been my favorite animal for as long as I can remember. They’re fast and just awesome looking.”

How do you celebrate after you have a really good jump?

“Normally I run out the pit as fast as possible and jog over to the board to see the mark, then casually walk away.”

Your life is a movie. Who plays you, and why?

“Will Smith. Simply because who doesn’t like him? He has never had a bad movie and he’s simply the man.”

Who is your favorite athlete?

“My favorite athlete is Allen Iverson. I was born in Philly and all my favorite professional and college teams are Philly orientated. He was just simply one of the quickest players in the game and his ‘don’t stop’ attitude was awesome to watch. One of the greatest to play his position.”

If you had to play a different sport at MSU, what would it be and why?

“It would probably be football. Back in high school, I was a high division one recruit as a wide receiver my freshman and sophomore year. I just never returned to football my junior year to focus on track after winning my first state title my sophomore year.”

Where is your favorite place on campus?

“That would probably be Beaumont Tower and all of West Circle. It’s a calm, relaxing place and it’s always fun scenery to stare at while I’m walking or riding my bike to class.”

What is something most people would not know/expect about you?

“I’m not an Apple brand person. I prefer Samsung and Google androids instead.”

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Be sure to check back next Wednesday for the next Athlete of the Week feature.

Jordan Yagiela is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports