How does it feel to be able to say you are a national champion?
It's an outstanding feeling! I'm still processing all of it, especially the feeling of having all my work that I've put in pay off. Year after year I've placed in the top, 8 and gotten closer and closer to the top but now it feels great to be there. I felt like I worked for it throughout the competition because Ricky and I pushed each other to compete.
Your mark of 54-3 3/4 has got to be at least near a state record for freshman, do you know of any other shot putter who has thrown further at that grade?
I'm not too sure of anyone in the state of Louisiana who has hit that mark as a freshman.
How do you stay motivated now that you know you have won a large national competition?
That in itself is going to keep me motivated. I know that I can't sit back and enjoy my victory for too long. I'm going to have to double the amount of work I put in this year so I can get better. Nothing is just given to you, you have to earn it. You can't stop once you achieve a goal, you have to strive to be better.
Do you work with a club coach or do you receive guidance from your Catholic High coaches in the summer as well?
I do communicate with my high school coaches about meets and more, but I work with a former LSU thrower.
Are you playing football as well, and does that affect your training for shotput in the summer?
I don't participate in football seeing as I am a full time track athlete. I played football up until two years ago, then I decided to dedicate myself to my passion. My track season runs from December to August which includes indoor, outdoor, and summer track.
What part of your training do you think is most crucial to being able to perform on a national level?
I don't think there is just one part of my training which is more important than the other. My weight training is helping me with strength as well as my working my technique in the ring.
What is it like to be able to compete under a legend, Pete Boudreaux?
Coach Boudreaux is an amazing man and he's a great role model as well. I feel honored to be able to work with him. He's great at keeping me focused as well as grounded in all my accomplishments.
What are your goals for the coming year?
My goals this year are to reach 60 feet and to win state in indoor and outdoor in shot put. I also want to win outdoor in discus as well. I'm aiming to have consistent series when I throw in both events.
Are there any throwers, national or international, that you look up to?
Two throwers that inspire me are Jacko Guill and Reese Hoffa. They're amazing athletes and I strive to be like them.
Even though it is off on the horizon, what colleges interest you as of right now?
As of now, the colleges that I have interest in are Georgia, Stanford, LSU, Texas A&M, and Cal/Berkley, just to name a few.