Alex Collatz, Stockdale CA, won the discus at NON last spring with a throw of 162-6. Collatz had a PR of 177-0 from last year, and she has already thrown 180-9 this year! Read on to learn more about Alex...
MileSplit.us: You've thrown 172-2 in the disc so far this outdoor season. How are you feeling about your technical ability and strength right now?
Alex Collatz: Actually, I have thrown 180' 9" on March 12. I feel really good about where I am at technically at this point in the year, but there is always work to be done. My strength levels are better than last year, and I hope to improve upon them for next year.
MileSplit.us: Have you decided on your goals for the year? Any you care to share with us?
Alex Collatz: I really don't have any specific distance goals. I just want to continue to get better and do well at the big meets. If I can be consistently in the 170's then I know a big throw will just happen.
MileSplit.us: What is your favorite throwing event? Why?
Alex Collatz: Discus is my favorite throwing event, because I've been doing it for so long. I don't practice the shot much and have no experience with the hammer or javelin.
MileSplit.us: Do you have a favorite workout that you enjoy? Why this workout?
Alex Collatz: My favorite workouts would probably be my jumping workouts. I really feel these workouts help me with my throwing. I high jump, long jump, and triple jump at meets, and I feel that these events help increase my athleticism and are a big part of my throwing success.
MileSplit.us: Are you planning on going to any major invitationals this spring? If so, which ones?
Alex Collatz: I plan on going to Arcadia, Mt. Sac, Golden West, and New Balance Outdoor Nationals.
MileSplit.us: What has been your most memorable competition to date? Why does this one stand out?
Alex Collatz: My most memorable competition was at the California State Prelims (2009), where I threw 177'0" and broke the national sophomore record. I felt like all my hard work had finally paid off.
MileSplit.us: What do you like to do with your time when you aren't competing or practicing? Hobbies? Activities with friends?
Alex Collatz: With my schedule, filled with training and my studies, I dont have a whole lot of free time, but when I get the chance I love to spend time with my family and friends, read a good book, and listen to music. I also play volleyball for my school.
MileSplit.us: What role models do you have in T&F? Why?
Alex Collatz: I wouldn't say that I have a specific role model in Track&Field, because I admire all of those who are successful within the sport. I understand how difficult it is to be the best, and I know that it takes so much dedication, sacrifice, and hard work to achieve success.
MileSplit.us: Who do you look up to outside of T&F? Why?
Alex Collatz: There is no doubt, I look up to my dad, Alan Collatz. He teaches me about life while pushing me to be the very best I can be. He pushes me in ways that no one else can, and I hope to be a powerful influence like him someday (Alan was a '92 Olympic Trials qualifier in the javelin, and has coached 97 All-Americans and 24 national champions at Cal State Bakersfield).
MileSplit.us: What are your throwing aspirations for college and beyond?
Alex Collatz: I plan on going to a four year college somewhere, and while I don't have any specific goals just yet, ultimately, I would just like to continue to improve with each year, and just see where that takes me.