Basics
Name: Marcus Roper
Events: Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, Weight throw
PRs: shot: 51’7” discus: 139’ javelin: 153’ weight: 49’10”
When did you start competing in track and field?
2012 – 6th Grade
What is your favorite track and field event? What are your personal bests?
Shot Put: 51’7”
Describe your favorite competition memory:
Competing against Oliver Gunski during states last year is one of my favorite competition memories. We were both within inches of each other going into the competition and we ended up going back and forth the whole competition. My 2nd to last throw is when I threw my 51’7”. My Grandfather was there and he kept telling me, “Not bad. Further next time.”
If you could do any event in track and field, which one would it be and why?
Javelin, because it usually goes the farthest.
Describe your favorite workout:
My favorite workout is doing olympic lifts because it’s not just brute strength like the squat and bench press. They take a lot of technique and they connect the most to the throws.
How does your coach motivate you?
My coach motivates me by congratulating me when I do well, but also bringing what was wrong to my attention and telling me how I could do it even better.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
Germany, because they have really good food and the best glide shot putters.
What is your go-to pre-meet meal?
Steak and eggs with some homefries and a glass of raspberry sweet tea.
Do you have a favorite pre-race song?
“Go Legend” by Big Sean
What motivates you most to do well?
Failure – when I fail I learn from my mistakes and I can always build off of what I did wrong. I want to do things the right way and I want to make it look as clean as possible.
What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
I would find new challenges and try to improve on another event to score the most points for my team. Also staying humble is huge. I never want to be cocky. I want to stay humble in defeat and success.
What is the best advice or quote ever given to you?
“There is always someone in a worse situation than you.” – Beth Perkins, Throwing Coach, Lebanon High School
If you go to college, do you plan to compete in track and field? And where?
I will be attending Plymouth State and competing for the track and field team.
What is your favorite thing about Track and Field?
The fact that you are competing against yourself. If you think about it the right way, you can always one up yourself.
What is your favorite track facility?
The Kennett High School track, because that’s where I have my shot put PR. They also have a track runway for javelin.
