Returning Champions: Samantha Curran Class A Shot Put

What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My number one goal is to improve my technique and strength, in preparation for my college career .I'm looking to improve on my past outdoor performance; I'm hoping to surpass my school's record (41'), which was set by Brynn Smith.

What have you done to improve in the off-season?
About two months before the season started, I began doing workouts with other girls from my team. I focused more on conditioning than throwing, in order to become faster and more fluid in the circle.

What does a typical week look like for you training wise?
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are my throwing days; we will focusing on technique or getting in a lot of reps, depending on the day. My coach has also implemented mini workouts into our regular practice, which is really preparing the team for the season. On Tuesdays, the whole team has a full workout day; the workout changes depending on the event. Finally, on Fridays, the entire team takes it easy, to rest before the meet on Saturday.

What competitions are you most looking forward to this season?
I always look forward to the USM Relays, mainly because there are a lot of people there and I like being able to watch my friends in the other events, as well as throwing. I also look forward to the state meet, since it is one of the last meets. It is the sum of all the work the team has done in practices. There is always someone on the team who PRs - which is really exciting.

What was one thing you learned last year that will help you the most this season?
I learned a lot last year, the most important thing I learned is that there is more to shot put than just throwing it. I watched a lot of video of myself and I always see something wrong with my technique, even if it's small. This year, I am going to try and perfect my technique, and I hope that gets me the results I want.

Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
I don't have any pre-throw rituals, mostly just stretching out my arms, legs, and back before I enter the circle. Though, I do consider my throwing shoes to be lucky, since I've been throwing in them since my freshman year.

Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite thrower to watch is hard to decide upon; I would say it's a three-way tie between Joe Kovacs, David Storl, and Valerie Adams.

What is your favorite food to eat the night before a meet?
I really like eating Macaroni and Cheese the night before a meet, it's one of my favorite foods. I also drink a lot of water the night before so my muscles are looser.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you?
I was told, a long time ago, that you shouldn't quit things that you've started. That advice kept me throwing; if I'd quit, I never would've realized how much I love it now.

Finish this sentence: Samantha Curran is... going to improve in the upcoming season.