Thrower has high hopes for his senior outdoor season

by Jonathan Kane
Staff Writer

Ohio thrower Steve Godek did not participate in track until his senior year of high school. Since coming to Ohio, however, Godek has become the leading thrower for the Bobcats. The Post’s Jonathan Kane sat down with Godek to discuss the thrower’s goals for the upcoming outdoor season.

The Post: What are your two greatest sports moments at Ohio?

Godek: My favorite two would have to be at Miami this outdoor season. I was throwing javelin for both. One was the Miami Invitational and the other at the MAC championships. The first meet I got my PR (personal record) and ended up winning the meet. It was a definite confidence booster for the entire season. The other was at MACs in Miami where I was sitting in sixth place when finals started. I think it was on my fourth or fifth throw I had a huge throw that jumped me up to second place. Another kid beat me by a foot and I ended up getting third place at the championships. Anytime you can beat Miami it’s a huge plus.

The Post: What is your favorite throwing event ­ shot, discus or javelin?

Godek:I would have to say javelin. It looks like it would be really easy to do, but it’s far more complicated than it seems. The timing, the technique and the athletic ability all make it an extremely complicated event, and I love the challenge.

The Post: Do you have any unique pre-meet rituals that you go through?

Godek:Last year the throwers would always go over to Brett Williamson’s house on Friday nights and we would typically watch movies like Braveheart, Gladiator or Remember the Titans. Once we tried watching Zulu, but we thought it was terrible.

The Post:What goes through your head as you step inside the throwing circle?

Godek:Jack’s (Reichenbach) voice. He is a firm believer in explaining what you have to do and why you need to do it. Basically just certain little tips you need to do to be successful.

The Post:How important is it having an experienced throwing coach like Jack Reichenbach in your corner?

Godek:Jack is kind of like a father figure to all the throwers. I know it sounds funny, but he’s kind of like my dad down here and all the throwers are like brothers.

The Post:Who do you think would win in an arm wrestling contest ­ you or Jack?

Godek:(sigh) I think he’s got the old-man strength. I would definitely have to say Jack has the old-man strength and probably the old-school advantage.

The Post:Who has had the most influence on your career to this point?

Godek:On my track career it would have to be my throwing family: Jack, Nick (Pero), Arbo (Nathan Arbogast), Brett (Williamson) and now Eric (Bildstein). As far as my life goes, it would definitely be my mom and dad. My dad is my hero, and my mom has always been there for me.