Freeman looks for the NCAA title this season in the weight and hammer (GoJaspers.com) |
1. Entering the 2003 track seasons in your senior campaign, you are a six-time All-American in the weight and hammer throws. What are your goals for this season?
My goals this season are to better my personal best -- I got 2nd last year so hopefully I will win this year. I am finally going to get to go to USA national meet so that should be realy fun.
2. You also threw a personal best of 69.75m (228'9") in the hammer throw at the Hammerama in South Kingstown, Rhode Island over the summer. Are you excited for the outdoor season again based on your recent success over the summer?
My throw last summer of 69.75m was awsome as Ive been doing nothing but throwing the hammer so far this year so it should be a good year. With any hope, I will be able to compete with the big guys at USA's.
3. Everyone will be gunning for you in the indoor weight throw this season as you enter ranked as the top collegiate with the loss of Scott Russell of Kansas to graduation. Who do you see as the other favorites in the event this season?
The competition this year should be good, Panagiotis Mavraganis from Georgia and the big guys from Missouri such as Russ Bell, Christian Cantwell and Micah Shanks should all be right there. Josh McCaughey from princeton as well. There a bunch of others from all over.
4. Your brother Michael will be joining your side as a teammate and freshman this season at Manhattan. What will you do to help him along and follow in your footsteps?
I love that mike is here and I think he is having a great time. He and Ihave a little bit of a different technique but we help each other out all the time. So far he has thrown about 60 feet as thats not bad at all which he also hurt his ankle bad at the end of last year. It's kinda hurting him right now so he is taking it a little slow but with a little more work he should be able to throw the weight really far. The hammer has been looking good for him and I think once he gets used to the change in life he will do great.
5. What did you focus on during the off-season to improve on your events?
This year I have been concentrating on strength in the off season -- I got a really good lifting program and have actually been lifting on a regular basis. I think that is going to make a big diffrence this year.
6. Dan Mecca begins his 10th season as your head coach. How much has he been an influence on you and coaching along the way during your career so far?
Mecca and I have a great relationship as he has helped me with throwing a great deal. We are friends so that makes coaching and throwing much better, we are able to talk about technique and about training and it has helped me throw far.
7. Being so close to the September 11 attacks, what do you recall from that day in 2001 and how did you manage to get through it all?
I remember September 11th clearly as I woke up right after the first building was hit. Then I saw the second building get hit on TV and when they fell down we could see the smoke right from our school. It was horrible -- I watched nothing but the news for 2 straight days -- god willing nothing like this will happen again.
8. What hammer thrower out there right now posseses the best technique combined with the greatest power in the event?
There are many diffrent throwers with many diffrent strenghts and weaknesses. I think the only way to judge them is how far they throw, that's what matters.
9. One of the indoor meets on the schedule for you this season is the Nebraska Invitational on February 7. Christian Cantwell and the rest of the Missouri Tigers are scheduled to be there as well. Is this a competition you are looking forward to?
I cant wait untill that meet. I love traveling and seeing my friends from all over the country, not to mention that they will be great competition and that always makes me throw farther. It's going to be a fun meet. I love going to the middle of the country too as I grew up there -- it's such a change from the east and it's nice to get out there every once in a while.
10. How do you like to spend your time when you are out of the ring and away from the track?
That doesnt happen all that often, but I love hanging out with my friends. It doesn't matter what I'm doing if I'm with my friends and them I'm happy.
11. What has been your favorite venue to compete at so far during your career?
The Penn Relays is easily my favorite meet. I love the atmosphere, the crowds and the competition. It is the best meet.
12. For those of us who have not been to the city and campus of Manhattan, describe what it is like and what they can expect.
New York City is an awsome city and there is always something to do. No matter what you want at any time of the day, you can get it or do it. The only complaint I have is there isn't enough room for a throwing field everywhere. But if you travel 20 minutes you get to a few. Manhattan's campus isnt in the city of Manhattan as it's actually up in the Bronx almost out of the city. The campus is beautiful with lots of trees and a few fields. It's not as big as many other campus' but it's good for the city.