Buff Blitz: Kevin Fasing

Sophomore javelin thrower Kevin Fasing is one of many CU track & field student athletes preparing for the 2008 Big 12 Outdoor Championships to be held at Potts Field, May 16-18. An All-Big 12 selection as a freshman, Fasing's season best throw of 204-feet, 2-inches is a regional qualifying mark and one of the top 10 performances in the Big 12 this season.

NS: What was it like to compete in the USATF Junior Nationals and place 2^nd?

KF: It was an awesome atmosphere; all the best athletes around the country were there. I was there with my coach, Casey, and Hannah (Warfield-Ruffatto), who was Big 12 Champion in javelin last year. It was a lot of fun. I had six weeks for training between Big 12 and Nationals. I figured out how to throw well in those weeks and made a big jump in training. Junior Nationals is a big deal because people know who you are at USA Track and Field and can look to you in the future. It was a nice way to end the season.

NS: How did it feel to throw your Personal Record of 216 feet and 6 inches?

KF: I just thought positively, went out and threw. Watching film it looked like almost perfect technique. I probably could have even thrown it further if I went out a little harder. I stood at the end of the run way, my sprint was right and chucked it as far as I could.

NS: What sports did you participate in at high school?

KF: I played baseball for three years and was cut my senior year. I couldn’t hit that well and I wouldn’t hit the cutoff man. As a centerfielder, I liked to show off my arm and the coaches did not like that. They cut me and it was hard, but somehow I decided to throw a javelin. I don’t know if it came to me in a dream. I talked to the strength coach at my high school and he had an old javelin from college. I played around with it and decided to walk on at college.

NS: When did you decide to walk on as a javelin thrower at CU?

KF: I decided to walk on the team a month into school. I was bored and tired of lifting at the rec center. So I emailed Casey (Malone) and told him I threw a little in high school. I exaggerated how good I was and so Casey gave me a try out. I did great. He saw a lot of potential and gave me a spot on the team.

NS: How did it feel to compete in your first collegiate match?

KF: I was pretty nervous. I didn’t really know what was going on, since it was my first track meet ever. The first three or four throws they were not so good, but my last throw of the day was really good and everyone was shocked.

NS: What motivates you during competition?

KF: When I get to the track I get focused. I absorb all the good energy around me. I stay relaxed and get focused. I’m always smiling and having a lot of confidence. I don’t get pumped up, I get in a zone; it’s like another level of consciousness.

NS: What does it feel like to go from a modern sport like baseball to a sport that has been around since the ancient Olympics?

KF: It’s cool to throw a big stick (laughing). Everyone plays baseball when their little, but not many people throw a spear. It is unique.

NS: Is competing in the Olympics a goal of yours?

KF: Absolutely! This year I would like to go to trials. I definitely have the ability to go this year; I just have to put it all together. I need to stay healthy focus and motivated and to get it done. But I’m still on my second year of throwing, so I have a long ways to go.

NS: Do you look at tapes of different Olympic athletes’ techniques?

KF: Yes, I watch about 3-4 hours a week. I watch and mediate on what they are doing. I process, visualize and feel their aspects of performance.

NS: How did it feel to get All-Big 12 honors last year?

KF: That was my goal last year. I was confident going in and got fifth. Everyone was happy for me. But I thought that I could have done better and looking to do better this year.

NS: How do you feel about this year?

KF: I am further along this point than last year. My technique, strength and training is stronger, but I was more relaxed and loose last year. I have been trying to force it more this year. I realized that I need to be more confident like last year.

NS: Are you looking forward to having the BIG 12 Championship in Boulder?

KF: Ever since last year it’s been a goal to do well in it. It has been hyped up here and I am ready for it.

NS: What is your favorite activity outside of track?

KF: Just walking around and enjoy the weather.

NS: Favorite T.V. Show

KF: A couple shows on HBO; Curb Your Enthusiasm and Flight of the Concords.

NS: Favorite Movie?

KF: The Big Lebowski

NS: Favorite Sport to watch on T.V

KF: Baseball, I love the Colorado Rockies

NS: Who is your biggest influence?

KF: My coach, Casey Malone.