Junior thrower Del McSpadden never expected the success he has had since coming to Belmont as a transfer, but he is enjoying every minute of it.
“I never expected myself to be one of the best in the OVC,” said McSpadden.
McSpadden has been on Belmont University’s track and field team only for a year. Yet, his progress on the team has been outstanding.
McSpadden has a lifting routine on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He practices everyday focusing on his turns and drill work, all to get the basics down and keep the fundamentals strong. His coach today plays a big role throughout his daily routine.
McSpadden left Lipscomb University for one major reason: the coaching. He was seeking more. He looked through big and small schools and Belmont was the school he decided on.
“I think Del would have been successful if he would have stayed or gone somewhere else I think that’s the type of athlete Del is,” said Belmont throwing coach Joe Frye.
Frye has been a huge influence on McSpadden’s accomplishments so far.
“He has a good understanding of what’s going on in practice as well as in the weight room,” said McSpadden.
It is that understanding of the event that helps Frye to apply the knowledge elsewhere.
Frye has competed in the same event as McSpadden in past years. The knowledge he has comes from personal experience and Frye currently holds every Belmont throwing record.
“To me it’s a little bit more gratifying to see one of my athletes on that record board than myself,” said Frye.
Frye is patiently waiting for McSpadden to break his records. There is no doubt between either of them, they both know it is bound to happen, especially with the recent accomplishments.
In March, McSpadden finished first in the weight throw event at the OVC Indoor Championships with a personal best throw of 17.34 meters.
“The moment I knew that I won, I couldn’t stop smiling,” said McSpadden.
He put everything into this competition after being disappointed at the Austin Peay meet. The potential he sees within’ himself pushes him to work harder. Even though he no longer has former senior Austin Landis to compete against, on his own team, he looks around to set goals.
At the Florida relays he realized he was standing beside athletes that compete nationally and even olympic athletes. His thoughts reflect his mindset.
“Man, Del, you can do something like that,” said Mcspadden.
A sport can be mental as well as physical. Throwing is about manipulating the body and controlling the center of gravity. Developing habits is helpful when it comes to competition time.
“I knew there was a ton of power,” said Frye.
The key to the rest of McSpadden’s success are laid out at practice.
Most importantly McSpadden is looking ahead at all times. The future of the program and of himself cycle through his mind.
“I’m helping build a program instead of just being a part of the program,” said McSpadden.