Born in Salinas, California, Willoughby was raised and attended high school in the town of Gustine in San Joaquin Valley. While attending Gustine High School, he played four years of varsity baseball as well as basketball and football, eventually participating in track events.
Willoughby, who was born in Salinas, California, spent his youth in the town of Gustine in San Joaquin Valley. During his high school years at Gustine High School, he excelled in various athletic pursuits, including baseball, basketball, and football, before transitioning to track events.