See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series
(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior captain Nick Robinson of the Chaska Boys Track and Field Team.)
You compete in the throwing events in Track & Field. For those that don’t follow the sport, what are the different events, and how do you train for each one differently?
The throwing events are shot put and discus. Shot put is more focused on strength and explosive power because you’re throwing a heavier ball, (12lbs) whereas discus requires more speed, balance and timing because of how you spin. Training involves a lot of time in the weight room along with technical drills to improve footwork and release.
You just started throwing a few years ago, but have shot up the Chaska record boards, and qualified for State in the discus one year ago. What do you attribute this meteoric rise to?
A big part of it has been spending a lot of time in the weight room and really focusing on the small details in my technique. Throwing is very technical, so improving things like timing and positioning has helped me make big progress in a short amount of time. The smallest misalignment causes the entire throw to fail.
What are track meets like for the “field” athletes? How do you keep each other focused and motivated?
Meets can be pretty long for throwers since we only throw a few times over the course of four or five hours. Our group does a good job of keeping each other locked in by watching throws, giving feedback and supporting each other throughout the meet.
Give us a pre-meet pump-up playlist… and I refuse to publish this answer if you don’t include some of your parents’ and my favorite songs.
My pre-meet playlist is kind of all over the place. Some of my favorites are “Fight For Your Right” by Beastie Boys, “Back in Black” by AC/DC, “Otherside” by Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Black” by Pearl Jam, and “Beverly Hills” by Weezer. I also listen to Green Day, Mac Miller, Frank Ocean, The Lumineers and Tyler Childers, depending on the mood.
You understood the assignment and delivered. Well done. What are your goals this season, both personally, and for the entire Chaska team?
Personally, I want to break the school record in discus and place at state in both shot put and discus. The current record is 163 feet and my goal is to be around 175 feet by the end of the season. For the team, I hope we can compete well at conference and sections and see a lot of people hit personal bests throughout the season.
Next year, you will be a two-sport athlete at the Division II level, playing football and throwing at South Dakota Mines Hardrockers, while majoring in Engineering. How will you balance it all?
I think it will come down to staying organized and managing my time well. Playing two sports and studying engineering will definitely be a challenge, but athletics has already taught me discipline and how to balance a lot at once. The teams at South Dakota Mines also have designated study hours to make sure athletes stay on top of their schoolwork, which will be really helpful. I’m excited for the opportunity and ready to put the work in.
What does it mean to you to be a team Captain?
To me, being a team captain means setting the example and helping bring the team together. It’s about working hard, supporting your teammates and making sure everyone feels encouraged to keep improving. I try to lead by example and help keep a positive, competitive environment at practice and meets.
Awesome. I’d just like to add, as a guy who has literally known you since the day you were born, I’m so excited for you to crush it this season and I know your parents are incredibly proud of you. Good luck!
