Q&A with discus thrower Thomas Killen
11/14/2005 12:00:00 AM
Nov. 14, 2005
FT. WORTH, Texas - Reigning national champion in the discus throw Thomas Killen is this week's Question & Answer feature. The native from New Iberia, La., capped off his high school career in June, winning the discus throw at the Nike National Outdoor Meet in Greensboro, N.C. The event served as a championship for high schools across the U.S.
Killen, who fell in love with the sport when he was a freshman in high school, launched a 204-10 mark (62.43 meters) in the discus throw to capture the national individual title in his senior year. As a junior, Killen finished in 15th place.
While he may be from a small town, this TCU rookie has his sights set high in his first year at TCU and will be making big contributions to the Horned Frog field program.
The following is a list of questions and answers from Killen.
Q. How did it feel winning the national high school title in the discus throw?
A. It felt really great to reach a goal. I came into the competition with the mindset to perform as well as I could. At the same time, I was aiming for first place. There were a lot of tough competitors there so it was a great feeling to win. It was also a good way to send things off before heading to college.
Q. Why did you choose TCU?
A. The decision to come to TCU was an easy one for me. The atmosphere here is great for an education and for competing. The TCU track and field program is one of the best as well as the coaching staff.
Q. You lettered in both football and track & field in high school. Why did you decide to commit full-time to track & field?
A. I enjoy track and field a lot more. Football was fun but what motivates me is the track & field sport. I'm big on self-motivation. You can have the best coaching staff in the world, but if you don't have the motivation or self-discipline to work hard at something then it's pointless.
Q. You work more with coach John Kenneson since your speciality is in the discus throw. What do you like best about coach Kenneson?
A. I like that he's very straight forward and honest. He tells you what needs to get done and helps you get out what you put in.
Q. How are you adjusting to college life so far?
A. I'm enjoying college life. I do miss home (New Iberia, La.), but it's more laid back here. It works out well for me because I can focus more on academics as well as training. Fort Worth is bigger, the campus is really nice and the people here are great.
Q. What are your goals for your first year at TCU?
A. I just want to be the best I can be and contribute to the team's success. I know I'll have to work and train harder than before because I would like for the team and for me to make the national meet. Some may think it's a big goal for a freshman, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't go for it.
