Becker at the 2006 USATF Indoor Championships
(Photo courtesy of Trackshark.com)
Kevin Becker, a senior at UW-La Crosse, was the 2006 Indoor National Champion in the weight throw. Becker hopes to add to his collection of awards this season. Here are his thoughts on the upcoming indoor and outdoor season:
By: Keith Solverson
How much pressure, if any, do you feel coming into the 2007 indoor seasons as the defending weight throw champion?
I don’t actually have college eligibility for the indoor season; I only have an outdoor season this year. With that said, I’m competing in just a few indoor meets this year, and I may throw at the USATF Indoor Championships.
What does a week of practice consist of for you (i.e. weight lifting, throws, etc.)?
My typical practice week consists of throwing and lifting 4 days a week. I usually throw light implements two days a week, and heavy implements two days a week. Most of my weight lifting consists of variations of power cleans and snatches and leg strength exercises. On the day I am not throwing and lifting I do some light plyos and throw puds.
What events did you participate in high school?
In high school my primary events were shot put and discus, but I also pole vaulted and ran the 300 meter hurdles occasionally.
What were you personal bests in high school?
Discus- 150’2”
Shot put- 48’6”
Pole vault- 10’6”
300m IH- 42.10
What are you personal bests in college?
Hammer- 63.66m, 208’10”
35lb weight- 21.60m, 70’10” (this season unattached)
Discus- 46.02m, 151’0”
How did you end up choosing UW-LaCrosse?
I was actually recruited to play football at UWL, which I did for three years, and I just walked on to the track team. I had no idea they were a national powerhouse, I guess I just got lucky there.
What is your favorite memory in the time you have spent in college?
I don’t think I have one specific memory that stands out as a favorite. Throwing at the Drake Relays three times has been amazing, but just getting to hang out with my teammates everyday is probably the best part.
Who is your role model and why?
My role model is a high school coach/teacher I had named Mark Kieffer. His demeanor has always been unbreakable. If he wants to achieve something, he does it. If I can match his demeanor I know I’ll have great success in throwing and in life.
Any words of advice to future throwers?
- No matter how far you are throwing, if you love the sport continue to do it. The day you don’t love throwing anymore is the day you should quit.
- Have complete trust in your coach and in yourself and you will be successful.
Thanks to Kevin for a great interview.
