(Photo provided by Eric Rousemiller)
First of all, how did you first get involved with track & field?
My dad was the throws coach at Lakeville North High School (aka, The Rival School) for several years, and one day when I was in 5th grade he brought me to a practice and I picked up a shot and threw it around for a little bit, and I loved it. So my brother and I signed up for some USATF meets that summer and I've been throwing ever since.
What are all your personal records?
I just threw a 61'10" for shot put in our season opener on April 4th for a personal best in shot, and my discus PR is 157'.
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
Yes, I play football and participate in Olympic Weightlifting.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
The State Track Meet last year. I was sitting at 8th place going into the final round of throws and we were all within a foot of each other. On my last toss I landed a 58'5" throw to put myself into 2nd, where I finished the meet as the State runner-up in the shot put.
Other than your own teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
Last year I loved competing against Kieran McKeag and Clint Lockwood from the grade above me, and in my own class I love competing with Jake Kubiatowicz from North St. Paul, Trevor Otterdahl from Rosemount, and Mike Delich from Eastview. These guys are all great competitors and sportsmen, and I think I'm very lucky to consider them my friends as well.
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career?
My father has been my biggest motivator in everything I do. He drives me to be better every day and he is a brilliant role model. My late friend, teammate and captain Jake Flynn is aways with me in all of my athletic events and inspires me every single day to make him proud. I've had amazing coaches throughout the years, I would not be half the thrower I am without Coach Ringeisen and Coach Bauer, as well as the head track coach, Coach Gilmer. My teammates have also had a huge impact. Sophomore year, my older brother Connor and Josh Corcoran were senior captains on the throwing squad and the three of us made each other better every single day, so I owe those guys a huge thank you as well.
What are your main goals for this upcoming track season?
I hope to win the state championship in Shot Put individually, but even more so I want our team to win the True Team State Meet for Jake, and for the school.
After throwing nearly 62 feet in the first meet of the season, do you think you might have a shot at the State Record of 65'8"?
It's possible for sure, it's a matter of some technical tuning and being able to hit big throws in big meets, but I'm going to give it my all for sure!
Do you have any college plans?
I will be attending the University of Minnesota and playing football while trying to get into medical school.
What were your biggest attractions to the U?
First and foremost, it has great academics with an outstanding medical school. It's my hometown school, I've wanted to be a Golden Gopher since I began walking. I love the big school atmosphere and the program I'm going to join is headed in the right direction!
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
Music before I throw every single meet, I have the same routine in the circle for every throw, and I always have my blue Jake Flynn memorial wristband on my right wrist.
What musical artists do you listen to before meets?
I listen to my man Ed Sheeran to relax before the meet, but then I'll throw on some intense music from Hans Zimmer, then some Eminem, Kid Cudi and a whole bunch of other rap artists to get pumped up right before I throw.
When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?
Probably either lifting, eating, listening to music, or watching Family Guy.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
Despite weighing over 300 pounds, I'm considered by many to be the best dancer in my class at LSHS.