Six Rounds With Sarah Stevens
 I had the chance to catch up with Sarah Stevens (Arizona State) via e-mail. For those of you not familiar with Sarah, she is a very accomplished multi-event thrower. Most recently, she won the shot put and weight throw at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships for the second straight year. Last season, she placed fourth at the NCAA Championships in the hammer throw and fifth in the weight throw. She also won the NCAA indoor title in the shot put and represted the U.S. at the outdoor IAAF World Championships in Osaka. While we're sure she's had plenty of questions about the shot put and discus, we posed a few questions about the hammer throw. This the first of hopefully many interviews we've ever done, so bear with us.
Round 1 - How do balance training for the hammer and weight with your training for other events?
I typically train each of the events at least two times each week. In the Fall, we do a lot of work with the hammer. We will drill about twice a week an as the Fall progresses, we start throwing and drilling (half and half each day). In addition, we do discus and shot put drills during the Fall the other three days of the week. As the indoor season nears, we start throwing the weight twice a week, discus twice a week, and the shot put three times a week.
Because the outdoor season is longer, I typically use the weight as a training tool for the hammer. I am able to focus on my technique and when I pick the hammer back up in March, I'm very excited to throw. Doing multiple events adds variety to my training and keeps me excited about the next event.
Round 2 - What event do you like better, the hammer or the weight? How do you compare these events to the shot put and discus?
I like throwing the hammer more then I do the weight. Part of the reason is becaues of my size and strength levels. I'm able to move better with the hammer and technically I'm a better hammer thrower. When comparing all of the throwing events, my favorite is the shot put. Hammer is close second and the discus is in third. I'll be honest through, somedays the order of favorites is different. I'll have ups and downs in my training and being able to do multiple events gives me a chance to redeem myself if I'm having a bad day.
Round 3 - From what I recall, you picked up the event during your redshirt year, correct? What has been her biggest challenge thus far in learning the hammer?
I did start throwing the hammer my first year of college, and I think the biggest challenge for me has been learning to let the ball move me. In my other two events, because of where the shot/discus is held, I'm able to manipulate positions and put the shot/discus where I want it. I've had to learn that where I place the hammer during my entry will dictate what happens during the next few turns. It is difficult for me to "give up control" and that is something you have to do when throwing the hammer. Although it has been challenging, it's been VERY EXCITING at the same time, and I look forward to throwing hammer every chance I get.
Round 4 - Coach Dumble has certainly made himself known as one of the top coaches in the shot put and discus and Arizona State has one of the deepest throws groups in both events. What are your thoughts on his approach to training?
Coach Dumble is very knowledgable about the throwing events. I think the best part about working with him is that he knows what it is like. He understands the frustrations that come with changing your throw and is very understanding and helpful. He explains things in a variety of ways in order to insure that you "get it". He has been in our position before, so he realizes the amount of time and commitment it takes to be a college athlete. Not only does he know about the throws, he is also very knowledgable in the weight room. He designs all of our lifting programs and balances drills/throwing and lifting so that you get the most out of every workout. In addition, Coach Dumble cares about each athlete and wants us to be successful no matter what level it is at. He is very easy to talk to and has helped me learn how to balance every aspect of my life (track, school, family, friends, social, etc.).
Round 5 - Nationally, after Brittany Riley, there seems to be a grouping of women throwers around 70 feet this season. What do you think will differentiate the throws at the NCAA Championships?
When getting ready for the National Championships, I think the best thing to do is exactly what you've been doing all year. NCAA's can bring out the best in people and it can also bring out the worst in them. Understanding that everything is the same (the circle, the weight, how the meet is run, etc.) makes it easier to relax. I know that everyone is going to bring their A-game and the person that is the most prepared will throw the best. I think it is going to be a great competition and many women are going to throw well...
Round 6 - Do you have any goals for this season?
I have set many different goals for this year. One of my biggest goals is to make the Olympic Team in the shot put. With Nationals only a week away, I've been very focused on the shot put and the weight. I want to defend my indoor title and place higher in the weight. As a team, we have a chance to win the title again, so I want to score as many points as I can. I have set a few goals for outdoors but I'll sit down after Nationals and set more or change the ones I have now.
post comment
.. Trackback
{ Last Page } { Page 81 of 149 } { Next Page }
|
CollegeHammer.com
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
« September 2008 »
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | |
Recent Entries
• USATF Names NACAC U23 Team
• Hammer News Round-Up
• NCAA Championships: Martin sets PR to win
• NCAA Championships: Orban beats Riley
• NCAA Championships: Prelims Results
|
