Nick and his fans are back in Columbus this weekend for the State Meet
FR: What has been the biggest change in your throwing from your junior to
senior year?
NC: Honestly, not a whole lot has
changed with my throwing specifically. I think my strength and conditioning
work throughout the fall and winter really helped me get to where I am today.
Also, I believe the confidence and excitement I gained at the end of my junior
year pushed me to work extra hard for my final season as a Raider.
FR: What kind of distance are you capable of this Friday and what does it
take to win it?
NC: All I know for sure is that the
competition this Friday is going to extremely exciting. Personally, I believe I
am capable of a throw between 165’ and 175’. However, I am going to have to
have one of the best throws of my life. Everything would have to go perfect, but
I truly believe I have what it takes to accomplish that. If I learned anything
from the Regional meet, it only takes one good throw. Currently seeded first for the
State Meet is senior Christian Smith from McDonald High School. Earlier in the
season he broke the Division III State Record with a throw of 203’ and some
change. He has been constantly throwing in the upper 190s and lower 200s all
season and is seeded with his throw from regionals at 198’ 9”.
FR: Can you summarize your day leading up to the competition on Friday?
NC: Well I will begin the day with a
substantial breakfast, and then I head over to Jesse Owens Stadium to watch the
Division III Prelims and cheer on my fellow state qualifiers. Then, at around 1
or 2 o’clock, I will head back to the hotel to eat lunch and rest up a little
bit before heading back to the stadium. By 3 o’clock I am at the throwing
circle weighing in my discuses and getting ready to compete. The competition
begins at 4 o’clock
FR: Describe your mental approach to throwing, do you try to visualize
anything specific?
NC: Just like any other event or
sport, the mental aspect of throwing is crucial for success. The most important
thing mentally is to stay positive. It sounds simple, but can be one of the
hardest parts of a competition. When I step into the circle before my throw, I
visualize the discus soaring through the sky to keep myself focused and
relaxed.
FR: How cool was it to see your classmate, David York, qualify last Friday
after you already qualified on Wednesday?
NC: It was awesome to see David on
the 3rd place podium at regionals! Being the only boy last year was
fun, but I cannot wait to share the experience with lifelong classmate and 6
year teammate. I think this will be an experience that we will both remember
for a long time.
FR: After all this is over, what’s next for Nick Colby?
NC: Unfortunately, the state meet
will be the last time I will ever compete in a Russia Raider uniform. However,
it will not be the end of my track and field career. This upcoming fall, I will
be attending John Carroll University where I will be throwing on the varsity
track and field team. Academically, I will be majoring in cellular and
molecular biology where I hope to eventually attend medical school and become a
pediatric oncologist. I am extremely excited for this next chapter of my life,
but sad that my career as a Raider is ending. I would like thank my team and
coaches for pushing me to be the best person I can be every day. I would also
like to thank the Russia community for the continued support throughout my
Raider career. Thank you so much for having me on the Fish Report and I hope to
keep in touch.
For those interested in watching Nick or any of the other athletes at the state meet this weekend, click on these links to the Schedule of Events and the Facility Diagram.
For those interested in watching Nick or any of the other athletes at the state meet this weekend, click on these links to the Schedule of Events and the Facility Diagram.
Nick is hoping to improve upon the Russia School record he set
last week at the Regional Meet with a throw of 162-feet 9-inches
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