First of all, how did you first get involved with track and field?
I got involved in track when it was spring break of my sophomore year and i was playing basketball up at the school. Coach Sayles saw me jump and told me that the team needs a high jumper. So I signed up and then they realized I could jump but was too heavy, so i should maybe do another event. Coach Robert's (Throwers' coach), took me because the school needed someone to throw for the team, and my track career went off from there.
What are all your personal records?
Discus 156'6" and Shot Put 56'3 1/2"
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I played varsity basketball my freshman, junior, and senior year, I wrestled my sophomore year, and I played varsity football all four years.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
My favorite and most memorable competition was Sections at East Ridge my junior year, because it was a back-and-forth battle in the shot put with Kaleb from Mahtomedi. I also got to move on to State with my throw.
(Photo provided by Nathan Bursch)
Other than your own teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
My favorite track athletes to compete against are Eric Rousemiller, Pat Castle, and Kaleb Seikmeier.
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career?
Some coaches that have been most helpful to my athletic career are Jesse Lusk, Lane Swanson, John Towel, Ryan Englebert, Sam Ward, Dennis Ware, Brett Bursch, Bert Roberts, Michael Carter, Justin Smith, Darrel Bolden, and Andy Hill.
What is a challenge you have had to face as an athlete?
The biggest challenge's as an athlete are not being skilled enough, fast enough, strong enough, and tall enough. So I work every day to make sure I am all of the above.
How are you feeling about where you are at performance and training-wise this season?
Training-wise I am very satisfied were my training is, because I have been hitting my U of M workout very hard and doing every track workout with the sprinters that I can.
What are your main goals for this track season?
My goals for this track season are to break our school record in both shot put and disc, and to make it to State in those two events.
As a senior, how have your perspectives, strategies, or attitudes changed since you first started doing track, what advice would you give to younger athletes?
As a senior I have learned you can't take anything for granted, and time flies. Some advice I would give the younger generation is never give up and work hard every moment you get. Because sports can be taken away at any moment and they also can pay off.
Do you have any college plans?
I will be attending the University of Minnesota and playing football there.
What were some of the things you liked about The U?
I grew up watching the gophers and now I get to play for them. It has always been a dream of mine. I also like that shortly after I move in, the brand new athletic facility will be open.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
My only ritual is before I throw I always listen too Bodies by Drowning Pool and Nobody's Listening by Linkin Park.
When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?
You'll find me eating, fishing, exercising, running, lifting, or playing football.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I got my wisdom teeth out while I was awake.
Was that intentional, or what happened there?
It was intentional. I chose and believed I didn't need to be put to sleep.