TAMPA --- Mike Vani is a sophomore pole vaulter from Merritt Island, Fla. and attended Merritt Island High School, where he earned varsity letters in basketball and track and field.
Vani was named MVP of his track team in 2008 and 2009 and was named Space Coast Athlete of the Year in 2009 after claiming the state pole vault title (16-8). He set a school record on 11 different occasions while in high school and was a two-time district and conference champion as well.
This is the third part of an ongoing series called "Around the Track", where GoUSFBulls.com sits down with members of the track and field team to find out a little more about them.
My shows: Dexter, Scrubs
On my iPod: Bullet for my Valentine, Atreyu, A Day to Remember, Sam Adams
My movies: Boondock Saints, Inception, Harry Potter, I Am Number Four
My favorite collegiate athlete: Scott Roth (University of Washington pole vaulter)
If I could choose one meal for the rest of my life, I'd eat: Chicken and noodles
Craziest thing I've done: Let a huge blue crab pinch my butt
Biggest superstition: Wearing the same socks
Most famous person I've met: Doc Rivers
Magazine cover I want to be on: Sports Illustrated or GQ
My teammates say I'm: Talkative
My autobiography title will be: What's Better than Great? Me: The Story of Michael Vani
Favorite USF class: Economics
People wouldn't believe me if I told them: I've been bit by a kangaroo
Least favorite food: onions
My most memorable moment in sports is... Setting the state record my senior year of high school
The place that I'd like to visit most... Galapagos Islands, Great Barrier Reef and Arctic Circle
Two words that describe me on the field: Very goofy
Two words that describe me off the field: Really goofy
Favorite thing about track and field is... It's me against the bar, no one interferes and I don't have to rely on anyone but me.
