Jared Schuurmans was able to receive the experience of a lifetime when he participated in the USA Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, late on Friday evening. For Schuurmans, a native of Norfolk, Nebraska, he said it was a great learning experience for himself despite not hitting a mark he was hoping for. Schuurmans finished in 19th place out of 24 athletes after collecting a toss of 56.58m (185-07). Olympian Casey Malone won the event with a throw of 64.99m (213-03).
"I was happy to get out there and have a chance to throw," Schuurmans says of his opportunity. "It was great to be there and I learned a lot about the other throwers."
Schuurmans arrived on Monday afternoon in Portland and participated in the Pre-National Meet hosted by Mac Wilkins, a gold medalist for the United States in the 1976 Olympics. He posted a throw of 55.81m (183-01) to win his age division.
"Friday I was better prepared that I was on Tuesday. The competition was better on Friday; there is no doubt about that because they are world class athletes. On Tuesday I was still fighting off jetlag and trying to get my feet under me."
While at the championship meet, Schuurmans had the opportunity to chat with several of the athletes and even pick up a few tips.
"One of the guys I talked with back in the athlete's area was Ryan Whiting (from Arizona State). He had been here before and just gave me a few pointers leading into the time I stepped into the ring. We talked some about warm-ups and practice stuff."
Schuurmans said he felt a little lost when he stepped out to the track. He wasn't sure where he was supposed to go but he got a little guidance from a pretty good athlete.
"Jarred Rome helped me get to where I needed to be. We didn't really talk about much but he helped me get to where I needed to be and that helped ease a little of the anxiety that I had. It was cool to have a guy like that help out."
Rome, a former Olympian, placed second in the meet with a throw of 63.48m (208-03).
The remainder of the summer, Schuurmans will rededicate himself for his senior year. It's not that he hasn't been dedicated but there is an extra energy deep down in his gut.
"I'm re-energized now to get going for next year. Training will be key for me. My goal is to hit it hard in the weight room and continue to work on my technique and preparation. I learned a lot from this opportunity and now I have to use everything I learned and incorporate it in my training."