(Courtesy of Jacci Cuff)
Jacci Cuff, freshman from Waupaca, Wisc.
Major in Environmental Science.
1) How do you practice to prepare for meets?
I run a lot, but I also lift throughout the week and do workouts. The night before a meet I usually just watch a movie to calm my pre-meet nerves.
2) How are you adjusting to a new team?
I’ve adjusted well to the new team. Since I run cross country, I know most of the team already. We also do a lot of team activities, like movie nights and tie-dying shirts so it’s easy to get to know everyone.
3) What do you do to pump yourself up before a meet?
I listen to my iPod on shuffle to get pumped up. I also try to stay away from people so I can focus on my race.
4) What do you do for fun outside out track?
I hang out with the team most of the time outside of track. Other than that I usually sleep or work on homework. Also when it is nice outside I like to spend my time in the sun either going on a bike ride or just laying out in the sun.
5) What is your favorite part about being on the track team?
Getting to spend every day with a great group of friends including my wonderful roommate, Bethany Hoster.
Nick Craker Baraboo, Wisc.
Major in Secondary Education
1) How do you practice to throw further?
The one thing I learned when I started playing sports is that you practice as hard as you play. The thing about throwing is that you are not necessarily trying to beat the other throwers, you are trying to best your own personal best. Every time I enter the circle, I know how far I want/need to throw it and I just do it.
2) How does it feel to get first place?
It feels great, because people see me and can’t believe I am a thrower. When I step into the ring and I get a good throw off, they are surprised because I don’t really look like I can throw the implements as far as I can. The reason you play the game is to win, so that is what I like to do. I am pretty competitive and don’t like losing much and considering the fact that I have only been throwing for 4 years I have gotten my fair share of first place finishes.
3) What do you do to pump yourself up before a meet?
I like to listen to music …. and eat a nice sandwich.
4) What do you do for fun outside out track?
Race walking, extreme couponing [and] playing tiddlywinks.
5) What is your favorite part about being on the track team?
It is a team sport but you are actually competing against yourself. You always know how far or how fast you have to go. I have been around track meets for a lot of years and I like the laid back feel and watching all the events and the throwers can eat whatever they want and don’t have to worry about running and getting sick.
(Kofi Fosu)