Athlete Sit-Down: Zach Purcilly

We got a chance to talk to Auburn Hills Avondale senior, Zach Purcilly, aiming for an indoor record early in the winter season.

 

Personal Records:

Discus - 145-0

Shot Put - 53-1.5

Weight Throw - 54-2

 

Michigan MileSplit: What is the one thing you are hoping to accomplish this indoor season? How about outdoor?

Zach Purcilly: My main goal for indoor is to break the state record in the weight throw. My outdoor goal is break my schools shot put & discus records.

MI MileSplit: Is it tough sometimes practicing for an event that requires quite a bit of room? What are some things you've done to adapt to that?

ZP: It's very tough finding places to accommodate my throwing, especially weight throw. I use a half basketball court at my gym I workout at to throw shot. I have pieces of tape on the floor that are 7 feet apart, the diameter of the circle. Unfortunately with how much the weight weighs & the technique used to throw it I don't throw it at my gym due to people walking in at random times when I'm throwing and the safety concerns that come with it.

MI MileSplit: How/when did you get involved with track?

ZP: I got involved in track in middle school. It was more of a social event at that point, everyone did track since it was the only spring sport. I tried pretty much all the events but shot put stood out as a favorite to me and I added discus when I got into high school.

MI MileSplit: Who has been the most influential person in your track life?

ZP: I would have to say my coach from freshman year Mr. Rennels. He resigned from coaching that year, but he's been one of my biggest supporters. He's always encouraged me to keep working harder & instilled in me that I can be a very successful track athlete if I continue to work as hard as I can.

MI MileSplit: What is your best track memory so far?

ZP: My best track memory would probably be placing 6th in shot put & weight throw last year at states in my first indoor season coming off injuring my arm during football earlier that year.

MI MileSplit: Where are you looking to go to school next year?

ZP: At this point, the school I'm most interested in is Eastern Michigan.

 

Quick Q's

MI MileSplit: Facebook or Twitter (or Instagram)?

ZP: Twitter- ZPurcilly10

Instagram- zpurcilly5709

MI MileSplit: Winter or summer?

ZP: Definitely summer. I hate winter.

MI MileSplit: Favorite place for breakfast?

ZP: Either Kerby's Coney Island or Antonios for French toast, hash browns & bacon.

MI MileSplit: Movie you just saw or want to see? 

ZP: I just saw the new Jack Ryan movie but I want to see Ride Along very soon, Kevin Hart is one of my favorite actors.