TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

What types of similarities are there between the two events you compete in – the shot put and hammer throw?
Surprisingly perhaps, there really are not many things that are alike. That is one of the thing that makes throwing events so difficult – you have a fairly different technique for each event.

How does the scoring system for those two events work?
The scoring works the same as it would for a track event. The better the finish, the more points you receive for your team. The amount depends upon the number of teams competing in the meet. If there are two teams for instance, the first-place finisher receives five team points. Where as in a meet with three teams, seven points are awarded to the top finisher.

How do you balance the amount of time that you practice the throwing events?
There is basically an even balance between the two events throughout the course of a practice week. Jim Garnham, Sr., does an excellent job working with all of the throwers.

What runs through your mind prior to and during an attempt at a meet?
Heading into a meet, we already know the order of competition. As far as during an actual throw, I just try to focus on one specific item. If you think about all the aspects of a throw, you just wind up confusing yourself.

Detail what the shot put is.
Basically, you throw a weighted ball as far as you can. During your attempt, you must remain within the throwing circle. Also, it is not anything like a regular overhand throw. The shot cannot drop below your shoulder at any point.

Compare that with a description of the hammer throw.
The obvious difference is in what you are throwing. The hammer is made up of a ball at the end of a wire, and then a grip. Once again you throw from within a circle, and the hammer must then land within a legal sector for the throw to count.

What is your opinion of the coverage of track and field in the United States?
There has definitely been a gradual increase in this country’s attention to track and field. But I feel that maybe the field events still don’t get as much coverage as they deserve. Hopefully that is something that will change in the near future.

What are your athletic plans after you complete your collegiate career?
I am not going to put a cap on where or what I am going to do athletically. I’m just going to go out and do the best that I can and accomplish as much as possible.

How much did it mean to you to be named to the Verizon Academic All-District Second Team in 2002?
One of the challenges of being a student-athlete is being dedicated in two separate areas. It is difficult to focus on athletics at the same time you are thinking about academics, and vice versa. So the honor was very meaningful.

During the indoor season, you achieved the NCAA provisional qualifying mark in the 20-pound weight throw. What does that mean?
The NCAA requires a certain mark to be met in order to reach the NCAA Championships, but it does not guarantee that you will go. I reached that mark at the ECAC Indoor Track and Field Championships, but this season I won’t be going to the Indoor NCAA Championships. That is definitely a top goal for me to achieve next season.

-The ‘10 Questions with…’ feature is compiled by Geoff Nason.