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Superstitious Pirate sticks with routine

By TIMES STAFF
Published December 19, 2006

Wilson, a three-time state weightlifting qualifier, hopes to earn her fourth straight trip this season. She totaled 325 pounds and placed sixth in the 183-pound class at state last season. In her first meet this season, she totaled 320. Her goal is 180 in the bench and power clean for a total of 360. She took a few minutes to chat with Times staff writer Kellie Dixon.

What are your mornings like?

I fix breakfast and watch TV for 10 minutes. That's how I get ready for the day. We have like 20 HBO channels, so I watch whatever is on. It has to be something I've seen before because if I haven't seen it before, I'll get into it and be late for school.

What did you first think of weightlifting?

I understood weightlifting (from class). I'm a big girl already, but I didn't want to be one of those girls that is all muscular. I was a little afraid of that, but I like the competition. It's different from softball. In softball, it's a team (thing). ... In weightlifting it's all you. It helped my mental game (as a catcher in softball) a lot because I've learned to focus and relax.

What's in your CD player?

It's a five-disc changer. Rent, the movie soundtrack; Mozart for studying; 'N Sync for when I'm jamming; Michael Jackson's Greatest Hits; and a mix CD.

If you could be athletic director for a day, what would you do?

I know football needs a lot of money, but they get a lot. I know Title IX makes it equal for boys and girls, but I would try to make it more equal.

Who do you look for before every game?

My parents.

Do you have any superstitions when it comes to weightlifting?

Since freshman year, I have to wear (black high-top) Converse. It looks geeky with my singlet and shorts, but I don't care. They're almost worn down. When I bench, I have to count. No one else can.

[Last modified December 19, 2006, 06:20:35]