(Photo Provided by Trevor Otterdahl)
First of all, how did you first start doing track?
As far as track in general, I started around the age of 6 doing the youth program in Rosemount (RAAA). For throwing, I started shot put in 7th grade because of my older brother Payton (who was a sophomore at the time had also started it), and it turns out he was pretty good so he got me into it. I started to learn discus my freshman year but didn't really get into it until sophomore year.
What are all your personal records?
My PR for discus was at the Hamlin Elite Meet last year where I threw 170'2", and my PR for shot put was at the State Meet last year where I threw 57'11".
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I was a captain this year for football at Rosemount and I've been playing since 3rd grade. I was also a started on the defensive line my junior year. I played basketball up until my junior year where I decided that I'd rather be lifting.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
My favorite competition so far was the shot put at State last year. Everybody was throwing new personal bests and it was an hour to be joining them. I finished 4th in a tight competition, but the fun of being there was amazing.
Who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
In shot put, I love competing against Eric Rousemiller from Lakeville South because he is another competitor at my same age and at a similar skill level, and I also compete against him several times throughout the year. For discus my favorite competitor is Jake Kubiatowitz because he is an absolute animal and I am striving to be on his same level this year.
What are your main goals for this upcoming season?
For shot put I'd like to throw over 63' and for discus I'd like to throw over 190'. Ideally I'd like to be a state champion in both events.
Do you sometimes feel extra pressure on yourself considering the success your brother had in high school (and continues to have in college)?
I used to feel a bit of pressure when I was younger but I realized soon enough that if I work hard and put in the time, good things will come. I've also had amazing coaches Tom and Tim Conboy to give me all the tools I need, so I've never been too worried about pressure.
(Photo Provided by Trevor Otterdahl)
I hear your younger brother Maxwell is a thrower too. I
suppose he's got pretty high goals as well considering the success of his older
siblings?
Exactly right, he hopes to follow in both of our footsteps. He's on the right track but he's going to need to put in a lot of work.
Do you have any college plans?
I've committed to throw at NDSU for college. They were the number one overall throws program in the NCAA last year. I took my other official visits to Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University. My decision was incredibly hard but ultimately I decided to throw with my brother at NDSU.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
The closest thing I have to a superstition is probably my present eating habits. The night before a meet it's always chicken Alfredo and the day of the meet it's a Subway footlong.
When not throwing heavy objects, or training to do so, what might we find you doing?
Outside of throwing I'm doing one of five things, school, sleeping, eating, lifting, or fishing. I absolutely love to fish and I get out as much as possible.
What is your best fish story?
My favorite fishing story was walleye fishing on a small like inland of Lake Superior on the north shore. I was with about 6 members of my family and when dusk hit, we were catching walleye on every cast. It was a great meal after!
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I am absolutely in love with Mexican food, any kind, any meat, I'm crazy about it.