Track AND Field

Tim Globokar, Opinion Writer

The historic sport of track and field has slowly been changed to be focused on just track. Everyone wants to have a sleek and fast body like the legendary Nick Stark or John Rocca, but rarely are the throwers mentioned. People often scoff at throwers as “not real athletes” or “linemen who want more strips points for football,” but no one looks at the true hard work these lumbering men put in.

Runners cannot rightfully discount throwers because they are done with practice before ours is even half over. These ring masters at Xavier practice from 3-6 p.m. everyday after school; the runners often head inside around 4:15 p.m. Many people believe that throwing is all about brute strength and heaving a large weight as far as possible. Although strength helps, discus and shot put are highly technical crafts which require patience and practice. Coach Frieden, the throwing coach, often uses the motto, “watering the bamboo.” It takes lots of time and repetitions before a thrower can finally perfect a throw. This means practice often involves doing 10-20 repetitions of each small part of the throw. Although it may look easy, there  is more than what meets the eye.

Just because we are throwers doesn’t also mean we don’t run. After the runners leave, the track is open. Any coach would drool over this sight like a four-course meal. Chubby chuckers do a mix of cardio work and strength work for 30 minutes at the end of each practice. This is training for both throwing and the most important race of every meet; the weightmen’s 4 by 100, or better known as the four by fat. This longstanding tradition was meant to make the throwers feel included in the track events; while many see it as a joke for entertainment, it is taken very seriously by us “weightmen.” As the current anchor for the Xavier track and field four by fat, I know my pride and dignity is on the line during each leg of the race, and I’m not willing to give it up. I even have track spikes this year to give me the extra edge. Fat boys can run too.

Throwers are often looked down upon by many athletes, but it truly requires patience by these athletes. We take our events just as seriously as the runners, and we are proud of our hard work. So next time you find yourself at a track meet, make your way over to the rings to show the throwers some support. Remember, it’s not just track, it’s track and field.

Tim Globokar

Opinion Writer