Over the last decade, the Methuen track program has established a tradition for developing outstanding shot putters and, with senior Sam Weeks, that tradition remains in place.
With a best throw of 50-5 1/2 last spring, Weeks enters the year as one of the top throwers in the region and, with a throw of over 49 feet in his first meet and two first places in his first two meets, he’s on his way to a banner season.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Weeks, who was an Eagle-Tribune All-Star lineman in football, has ambitious goals for both the indoor and outdoor seasons and may want to play two sports in college.
With school vacation upon us, we had no trouble contacting Weeks to go Around the Horn.
When did you start throwing the shot and why?
“I didn’t start throwing until I was a sophomore. A friend of mine, Richard Aziz, talked me into it. I’m glad he did.”
“What does it take to be successful in the shot put?
“It takes a lot of time practicing technique and strength building. I lift every day, usually with my coach, Tom Tone.”
Which is more important?
“I think the lifting helps a lot but it’s more about technique.”
When did you start throwing the discus and how do you compare it to the shot?
“I started that as a sophomore, too. There’s a lot more technique involved ... I like the shot better.”
Throwers often are off by their own and aren’t noticed much at track meets. Do you like this or wish you were more in the spotlight?
“I like being isolated because there’s not as much pressure. But it’d be nice sometimes to have the crowd appreciate your talents.”
Does emotion help you in the shot put, or is it a hindrance?
“I see some guys get all fired up and their throws progress, but I try to keep it low key and focus on my throwing. I’ve tried getting all fired up and it doesn’t work for me.”
What do you find more enjoyable — track or football?
“I like being by myself in track but I also like getting all fired up with my teammates in football. They’re both good.”
After a tough football season, is track a great release for you?
“It is, but it’s also big for me because it’s my last sport in high school so I want to do really well.”
What was the toughest part of the football season?
“That we should have been like a family but it was like we were in all different groups on the team.”
What are your goals for track?
“I want to hit 55 feet (in the shot put) by the end of winter track and hit 60 feet in the spring.”
What are your college plans?
“I’m not sure if I want to do both sports in college or just one. I might have to choose.”
Are there any other athletes in the family?
“My father, Victor, played basketball and track in high school and my older brother Victor played football.”
What’s something about you that people don’t know?
“I’m actually a really lazy kid. But when you tell me to do something in sports, I’ll get it done and get it done efficiently.”
If you were principal for a day, what’s the first thing you would do?
“There’s so much, I couldn’t pick one thing.”
Weeks’ favorites
TV Show: The Big Bang Theory
Movie: The Lion King
Book: Grendel
Food: Grapes and pineapple
Class in school: Chemistry with Mr. (Peter) Flink
Boston pro team: Celtics
Favorite athlete: Paul Pierce
Car: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Music: Underground rap
Vacation spot: I’d love to go to Hawaii
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