Interview with the top shot putter in the nation, St. John Bosco thrower, Matt Katnik

This past Wednesday at a triangular meet, St. John Bosco senior thrower, Matt Katnik (photos courtesy of Kirby Lee and Image of Sport at last year's Arcadia Invitational) threw the shot a personal best 68'9" which currently leads the nation. Katnik finished in 2nd place at last year's California state meet and now has the 6th best mark in California history.

1) When did you first get involved in Track and Field? Early highlights? Who were the teammates that you considered as mentors as a young thrower and football player?
I first started track and field freshman year. I really enjoyed throwing and competing during the spring. I won league in the shot and disc as a freshman so I knew I had some potential so I stuck with the sport. I had a few mentors out on the football field. The biggest was my older brother Andrew who was always guiding me when I was young and kept me humble during success. I will always be grateful for the influence he has on my life.

2) When did you get your start in Football and what college will you be attending next year?
I started playing football during the 3rd grade. I come from a football family so it's always been a big part of my life. I will be attending USC on a full track scholarship.

3) There are 5 throwers in CA history that have thrown the shot put further than you. What are your immediate and dream goals for this year?
I hope to surpass the 70 foot barrier in the shot. I want to win a state title and make the junior national team.

4) Who are the coaches that have had the biggest impact on you athletically and what have you learned from them?
Coach Diaz has helped to motivate me during track season and has a great eye for technique. He is so dedicated to the sport and helping me improve every day. Coach Erik Johnson from Arete Strength has offered such great input to help me. I would not be throwing this far without his help. Coach Johnson and Adams push me to my limits in the weight room everyday.

5) What do you feel you can still improve in the shot put? Discus?
I need to get faster through the ring.

6) What is your typical training schedule for you during the week? How many days are you throwing, lifting etc?
I usually throw 4 days a week and then have a meet on the weekend. I lift 3 to 4 days a week, depending on the cycle.

7) What are the primary similarities and differences between the shot put (spin) and discus? Can you recall the moments that both events clicked for you?
There are some things that are different but for the most part it about rhythm. The shot is a little fast and shorter because of the ring size opposed to the disc because you can drive farther out of the back. The discus and shot really clicked for me at this year's Eagle invite. I was able to PR in both events!

8) What meets are you most looking forward to the rest of the season? Will you compete in meets past the CA state meet?
I look forward to every meet, especially Mt. SAC and Arcadia. Those meets get such a great pull of throwers from around the nation. I plan to compete in Junior Nationals this year and possibly New Balance Nationals.

9) Why do you feel like you are already throwing further this early in the season?
I am a lot stronger than last year. I also have a lot of muscle memory that had contributed to my early success.

10) Favorite competitor?
Favorite competitor would have to be Dotun Ogundeji. He always pushes me to throw better and I usually PR when he is at the same meet.

11) Anything else you would like to add.
I'd like to thank my family for the support and my coaches for being so dedicated to helping me learn. I'd like to thank God for blessing me and I hope he continues to make me successful.

Thank you very much for your time Matt! AJC