by The Spectator Sports Editors

Ty Kunzman ’20 is a senior thrower for the Hamilton men’s track and field team. He greatly contributed to Hamilton’s second place finish at the Class of ’32 Invitational hosted by Colgate University on Feb. 15. Kunzman broke Hamilton’s program record for the weight throw, previously held by him. Kunzman’s weight throw went a distance of 18.23 meters, which moves him up to seventh place on the NCAA Descending Order List.

Hometown:

Spencer, New York.

Position:

Thrower.

Favorite Professional Athlete:

Yuriy Sedykh (World Record Hammer Thrower).

How did you get introduced to track and field?

I was first introduced to track and field by my older sister, Maia. Through attending her meets, I gained an appreciation for certain aspects of the sport: the competitiveness and comradery expressed by opposing athletes, physical demands associated with participation, and the intertwining of the team and individual components of the sport.

What is your favorite thing to do on campus besides your sport?

I enjoy spending time with my friends, lifting, and attending other sporting events.

What has been your favorite sports moment at Hamilton?

My favorite sports moment at Hamilton was breaking the track and field program’s weight throw record for the first time and placing second at Atlantic Region Championships my sophomore year.

What attracted you to Hamilton’strack and field program?

In determining what college to attend, I based my selection on where I could have equally enriching opportunities for academic and athletic success. On recruiting visits, the coaches seemed incredibly committed to the program’s success and that of the athletes involved. I was also eager for the opportunity to compete in the NESCAC, one of the toughest track and field conferences in Division III.

What is the toughest obstacle you have had to ovecome in your athletic career?

Honestly, this is a hard question to answer as I have a lengthy list of injuries that I have had to overcome in my athletic career. Most recently, I suffered a leg injury — spiral fracture of my left fibula, separation of my tibia and fibula, and lots of torn cartilage — that required surgery to insert a metal rod, six screws, and a device to keep my ankle in one piece. It was an extremely lengthy and painful recovery process, and due to mobility issues it was hard to stay involved with the track and field program.

What are you most looking forward to this season?

I am looking forward to spending time with the program’s coaching staff and the other track and field athletes. The coaching staff has had a profound impact on my athletic and personal development and I appreciate all of the wisdom that they have bestowed upon me. And, all of my past and present teammates have made competing for this program an incredibly enjoyable experience. I am also looking forward to the opportunity to compete at nationals this year, as I missed qualifying last year by one place/1cm.

If you weren’t on the track and field team, what Hamilton sports team would you want to be on and why?

If I could play on any other sports team at the college, I would love to play for the football team. I was on the football team here for my first two years, but had to stop playing due to repeated knee injuries.