(Rose Tepper)
Nick Kerkman: Men’s TrackWhat is your favorite event and why?
My favorite event is the hammer throw. I have only been throwing the hammer for two years, so I’m still learning a lot about the proper technique. So I think that I can increase the distance of my throws and hopefully go to the Division III National Championship track meet in the future.
How did it feel to do so well at conference?
I was happy with how I placed in conference this year. I was ranked eighth in hammer and 14th in shot put in the conference before the meet. Since I was able to place sixth and seventh in the hammer throw and shot put [at conference], it felt good to exceed my own expectations.
What are your goals for next season?
During the next track season, my goals are to break the indoor weight record and place in the top seven in the shot put and weight throw at the indoor conference track meet. In the outdoor season I would like to improve my throw to 50 meters with the hammer, and improve in my other events by least one meter in each, and hopefully place in the top five in all three events at the outdoor conference track meet.
What is your favorite sport to watch and why?
My favorite sport to watch would have to be American football – though with the World Cup coming up this summer that will be exciting to watch – but otherwise I have watched and played football since I was young and have always enjoyed watching college and professional games either on the TV or at the games.
What is the hardest part about throwing?
The hardest part of throwing is making sure you are using the correct technique while throwing, because if you are even a little bit off then your throw will not go as far as with proper technique. Also, without proper technique there is always a danger of falling flat on your face, which has happened to everyone once or twice, and gives the other coaches and throwers a good laugh at your expense.
Rose Tepper: Women’s Track
How did it feel to win high jump at conference as a freshman?
Winning conference as a freshman was a great accomplishment for me. I had great competition that day, which caused me to focus and do work. It was an awesome feeling to know that all of my work both [in the] indoor season and outdoor season has paid off. I am happy to have improved and I hope to keep doing so.
What are your goals for the offseason?
My goals for the offseason are to keep in shape, get stronger and to jump any chance I can.
What are your plans for the summer?
My plans for summer include working, jumping and hopefully relaxing.
What are you most looking forward to about next season?
I am really excited for next season because I cannot wait to get a relay team together. Running relays are so much fun. It really brings the team together because the race cannot be completed without every member. I am mostly excited for our team to get bigger and stronger.
What is your favorite memory from this season?
All of my favorite memories this season involve Coach Fast. Either he is pulling his favorite wrestling move and putting me in the Boston Crab, throwing peanut shells, gummy bears or other random food at me in the restaurants, or he is doing one of his countless impressions of anyone he sees.
(Nick Kerkman)
(Rose Tepper)
(Nick Kerkman)