Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Back to state with Russia thrower Nick Colby...

Nick and his fans are back in Columbus this weekend for the State Meet

Nick Colby may have already graduated from Russia High School a couple weeks ago, but he's still representing the Raiders this weekend at the OHSAA D-III Track & Field State Championships. For the second consecutive year Nick will compete at state in the discus throw. We recently chatted with the Russia star about his sport and this is what he had to say...

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.


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