Posted 2/12/08
UW-Platteville's Corey Digman is a Platteville High School graduate and a thrower on the track and field team. He recently earned the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week award after throwing the 35-pound weight 55'-5.75", which is an NCAA III provisional qualifying mark. He leads the Pioneers into a home meet on Saturday, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
You are off to a fast start this season. To what do you attribute that?
"It really started this summer, building a good foundation. I've just continued that and tried to stay consistent throughout the summer and fall. In the summer and early fall, it's mostly weight-lifting, but now when the season gets going it's more technique."
What's your favorite throw? How did you get started?
"Indoor, it's the shot put, and the outdoor season it's the hammer or discus. I threw in high school, the shot put and discus, and when I got here, (Coach Andy) Paulsen was like, 'hey, you have to try the hammer.' " I thought that was fun."
Speaking of high school, you're a PHS graduate. What made you stay in town?
"The cost. I looked at other campuses, but it just came down to familiarity and the costs."
Is it nice to have a lot of family and friends who come to the home events?
"I have four older brothers who come to a lot of the meets, and my parents like to follow things, too."
What you majoring in and what would you like to do?
"I'm in health promotion, which is under physical education. I'd like to, so far, personally train. I'd like to get my training certificate and then down the road get other certifications, like the national strength and conditioning, and see where that gets me. Right now, I'm concentrating on getting a degree and taking it one step and a time."
Athletically, what would you like to accomplish?
"This year, I'd like to place in the top three in conference in the shot put and weight. I'd like to do the same during outdoors, but that's further along the road. Right now for indoors, it's the top three in the conference and qualify for nationals."
What did it feel like to win the WIAC Athlete of the Week award?
"It was surprising a little bit, but--and this goes for anybody--if you work hard, you can accomplish good things."
Interview by Sports Information Director Paul Erickson