Coy Blair (2012) Logan
Purdue (Throws)
o 2012 1st Midwest Meet of Champions Shot 63-11
o 2012 OHSAA D1 State Champion Shot Put 67-7
o 2012 OATCCC D1 Indoor State Champion Shot Put
o 2011 OHSAA D1 State Runner-Up Shot Put
MileSplit: Coy, How has competing in college gone so far?
Coy: Well, thus far I've completed my first college season and it has had its ups and downs. On the upside, I finished 3rd at the Big Ten Championship as a true freshman with a PR of 18.58m. On the down side, this past indoor season got started a little rough. I wasn't throwing up to my potential and we just kept training through it. Then all of a sudden, boom, I went 60' and then kept building. I ended 21st on the national list and the top 16 go to nationals. I was very upset about this. This has been the toughest thing to do, staying back as my teammates leave for nationals.
MileSplit: What's the hardest part about transitioning to college?
Coy: The hardest part for me has been adjusting to time management of the college life, but once you find the balance between school and track life everything is good.
MileSplit: How does the training aspect of college differ from high school training?
Coy: I really enjoy training now. In high school a lot of what I did was individualized, but now I'm part of a stellar team. My favorite part of training is the competition I get in practice from my teammates, especially Chukwuebuka Enekwechi. I enjoy going to practice every day and working hard alongside my teammates. Competing at this level is everything I thought it would be. It's so much fun and I can't wait for outdoors.
MileSplit: What surprised you about college meets that you weren't aware of beforehand?
Coy: Competing at this level compared to high school is undoubtedly the coolest thing ever. A lot of the guys I threw against and looked to for advice are the people I throw against now. Ohio has always had a big network of throwers all over the nation and this makes it fun because I always know someone I'm competing against.
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It’s been a pleasure having the opportunity to interview some of Ohio’s and the Nation’s best Cross Country and Track & Field Athletes. Most have moved on to pursue their educations and to compete at the next level. We reached out to our interviewee’s and asked them what their experience has been at the next level. Many have gotten back and shared their athletic experiences to date, as well as what their expectations were, some recommendations and also the realities of competing at the next level.</p>