Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs (UCCS)?
The recruiting process for me was pretty exciting, UCCS was the first team to actually reach out to me. I had some other colleges contact me for basketball and some other ones for track. Then nearing the start of October I started to get other colleges interested in me like NAU and Fresno State. My ultimate decision was to go where I was comfortable and could thrive in the classroom and in track and field. That is why I chose UCCS, they have a great program and the facilities are extremely nice and the coaches are really great.
Q) What do you plan to study at UCCS?
I plan to study either Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at UCCS?
I plan on throwing discus and shot put but I am looking forward to throwing javelin and hammer as well.
Q) You've had success in the discus and the shot - which event would you say is your favorite, and why?
I would have to say right now it is discus, I feel like I am moving at a rapid pace increasing distance, but shot put is coming around. I have switched to rotational and getting bigger throws. It is hard to choose one because they are both great.
Q) You made some big improvements in the discus and the shot put last year - what would you attribute to such an improvement
I would have to say really getting into weightlifting. In the past I have lifted before but during basketball season before the state tournament I was getting into the gym. I would have to say weightlifting is what made my marks jump so much higher during season.
Q) The first results we have on you on MileSplit are a 121-0.5 discus/40-6 shot result from the Piedra Vista Invite in early March of 2017 - what do you remember from this competition?
I remember it was my first competition ever as a high school track athlete. We had gotten up at 6 AM to go to this meet. It was a big difference with competition level. It was fun though and I got my first marks which weren't terrible as a freshman. It was a good meet to meet new people and get the nervousness out.
Q) What got you interested in throwing in the first place?
My Dad was a thrower in college and a two-time state champ in shot put when he was in high school. He threw for CSU-Pueblo. Ever since elementary school I was exposed to track and field because my dad was the track coach. My parents had bought mini shot puts and we'd throw them around. It's been a family tradition, practicing is how my family connects, it's a lifestyle.
Q) Could you share any goals you have for your senior year?
My goal is to go to a lot of indoor meets and PR in shot put, I would love to go over 53'. In outdoor I am striving to go 180'+ in discus and 55'+ in shot put. I would love to win state in discus and shot put one last time.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?
My favorite high school moment is winning state in shot put and discus last year. I enjoyed being able to compete with my brother in the state meet and being on the podium with him. It is a great feeling when you and your team member, while also being your brother, are competing at a high level. It was also great being state runner-ups as a team.