Antonio Woodard is more than just a track star
More than an athlete, track star Antonio Woodard just keeps singing.
Antonio Woodward and Raymonte Dow make an exchange in the 4×400 meter relay during the Larry Wieczorek Invitational meet in Iowa City, Iowa; Saturday Jan. 20, 2018. Their relay team finished second in the heat.
December 13, 2018
The pregame events leading up to the Nov. 30 matchup between the Wisconsin and Iowa men’s basketball teams at Carver-Hawkeye seemed to pass by just like any other game. Both teams warmed up, shot around, and got ready for the game.
The national anthem took place, and the packed crowd at Carver-Hawkeye applauded like they would for any other rendition of the anthem. What they did not realize was the singer of this specific performance was no ordinary performer.
It was Iowa junior and track All-American Antonio Woodard.
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This was not the first time Woodard has performed the national anthem while at Iowa. Including the Wisconsin game, he has sung the anthem 10 times at a variety of events.
Along with singing the national anthem, Woodard is also involved in an a cappella group at the university, an all-male group called Intersection. The group performs at a variety of functions, including weddings and numerous on-campus events.
Woodard figured out his passion for singing years ago, and he enjoys it today.
“Around middle school and high school, I started to utilize the gift that God gave me,” Woodard said in a release. “Singing is still one of my favorite things to do.”
While Woodard’s vocal cords produce a tremendous sound, his legs may be his most valuable asset.
Only one meet into the track season, he has picked up two victories and also broken a facility record. Woodard won the 60 meters and the 300. His time in the 300 (32.89) was the fastest time ever recorded at the Recreational Building.
The record did not come as a surprise to Woodard.
“That was also a goal of mine,” he said. “I was a little tired going into the 300 after running two close rounds of the 60 meters, but I just wanted to lay it all out there and just forget about what I was feeling; winning was more important than how I was feeling. So I was happy to come out and get the win.”
What makes Woodard’s record-breaking performance all the more impressive is that he does not usually compete in the 300 meters.
“We don’t usually run the 300,” Woodard said. “So the meets from here on out, we will be running the 200, so right now I’m doing some over-training. Bumping it down to the 200 will help my fitness; it prepares me well.”
Despite his success at the Jimmy Grant Invitational, Woodard still thought his season-opening performance could have been better, particularly in the 60.
“We’re still working on things and putting the pieces together to perfect my race,” Woodard said. “But it was a good day. I got things together a little better in the final, but it will only go up from here. I guess I’ll take the win, but I’m not too happy with the time, but I know that the time will get better when it matters the most.”
Woodard will compete in the Hawkeye Invitational Jan. 11-12 at the Rec Building. As for his singing, listen closely across campus. It may just be the voice of one of the best track athletes in the nation.
