The Story of C.J. Hunter
time can be the difference between winning and losing. This athlete to detail, and the spirit to excel. made the difference in winning and recreating the world of the shot putter. seems to be a new breed of athletes growing who have a brighter vision of changing this sport. One such athlete goes by the name of C.J.
Hunter (Cottrell J. Hunter). C.J. stands at five feet eleven inches. He’s not very tall by shot-putter standards; however, the jury is still has had its share of bad luck with suspensions and disqualifications cycle? performance. Because of this misIn the shot-put event in the 1994 height to be in this event. C.J. weighs over 300 lbs. When seeing C.J. for the first time, you might do a double, no make that a triple take. His legs and hips are in the model of the great weightlifers of today. He has tremendous calf and glute ham development, right up into his back, chest, neck and arms. C.J. started when he was 13 years old with a 12 Ib shot-put. His best mark in 1982 was 38710”.
As an eighth grader, football was his first Pi C.J. HUNTER A_ JOURNEY FOR GOLD choice and linebacker was his favorite position. He grew up in 22” ference in his training would be the different phases of jumping drills better known as plyometrics; many 42”
30” him involved in a structured and defined weight training program. Coach DeDerer, a great motivator and technician, also implemented many agility and sprint workouts into his lifting regimen of power cleans, back squats and bench presses. This would later become the difference between C.J. the linebacker and C.J. the shot-putter. There was. also one other change that would further his career. During his senior year in high school, the coaches changed their method of throwing. C.J. went from the slide method to the rotation method.
When considering colleges, he narrowed his choice to Penn State University (known in the football circle as Linebacker U). Three 20 1/2” things occurred at Penn State: 1) Head Track & Field Coach Harry in the NBA, shows through in his. stamina and determination as well as the heights and distance of his jumps. (His vertical jump measured in at 37 1/2”, while his standing long jump was measured at 10°7”).
Groves and Thrower Coach Bill Whittaker would increase what had already been started; free weights. 2) They used higher motivation skills to throw farther, and 3) They emphasized success early.
In 1991 C.J. relocated to Boulder, Colorado and was hired by US West Direct, and as a result joined up with the U.S. West Track Club sponsored by NIKE. Armed with his degree from Penn State and this new chalthis time as well. He concentrated onjust one sport, and adjusted quickly to the 16 Ib shot put throwing 60°5” as a true freshmen. Why? Because of his speed, strength and size. He went on to win the indoor and outdoor IC4A Big East Title four times each, equaling the record for wins of an event eight championship times. lenge, C.J. began the second part of his journey; that of implementing more Olympic lifts into his lifting regimen and striving for throwing consistently longer.
University of Colorado thrower’s coach, Pete Corkey, was instrumental in seeing C.J.’s lifts and throw progress upwardly; approximately a foot a year. His message is loud and clear. He had a plan and a program showed no real progress because the social life and academic work of for success. From 1991 - 1994 C.J. had personal records (PR) in the following: college had caught up with him.
American again. the ones who look for the easy way. incorporated into his training:
C.J. threw the 16 Ib shot put 605” as a true freshmen.
NCAA's Track & Field Championships with a throw and personal best of 65’7”. The big dif- Sleep: at least nine hours a night Massage: at least once a week C.J. HUNTER A JOURNEY FOR GOLD six 48hrs before competition Supplements: everyday Stretching: because of his karate for a 2-3 work period. ther throwers. background as a youngster, C.J. maximum lift.
Agility: short explosive drills and movement exercises handling heavy explosive weight. overall body make-up. doing”.
SON lifting schedule: together could do.
C.J.’s IN-SEASON & OFF-SEASON TRAINING In-Season Ballistics(Throw Drill) YOU SEE SPORT SPECIFIC DRILLS BUT ALSO NOTICE THAT YOU HAVE A LARGE DEGREE OF ATHLETICISM SPECIFIC EXERCISES, THAT COMMITMENT OF SPEED-STRENGTH AND BODY AGILITY AWARENESS. wi C.J. HUNTER A JOURNEY FOR GOLD NO FINAL Following are some of the rankings with placements and _| high goals but distances of 1994’s number one ranking shot-putter, C.J. | ON& can easily Hunter. Grand Prix points are awarded by placement in see the proGrand Prix meets. Each placement from first to sixth is granted a point value. (Note: G.P. stands for Grand Prix meet) expect anything else?
Boulder All Corners Jenner Classic (G.P.) U.S. Championship Helsinki, Finland (G.P.) Nurmijarui, Finland (G.P. U.S.Great Britain Dual (G.P.)
688 1/2 68 1 68 3 3/4 667 1/4 673 1/4 68 2 1/2 He has set his sights on ; throwing 70 and that is that there are individuals out there nothing but who do not understand his methods time and tech- | which get him to throw a little over . mique now.
Goodwill Games, Russia Tallinn, Estonia (G.P.)
His goals are | one factor that is not listed by C.J. is to win the his knowledge of where he wants to USA Track & | go in his mind. “Do not worry |Field ——_|_ about the others” says C.J. “The On September 3, 1994, eight men with the greatest Grand Prix points will meet in the Grand Prix Shot-Put Championships in Paris, France. The winner walks away with $100,000 dollars.
Championship | true hunter always gets his prey.” with the 70 | throw, go on Dr. E.J. “Doc” Kreis - MSS is the to win the Assistant Athletic Director and head world champi- | Speed-Strength & Conditioning with a throw of over 72’+.
“Specialist in Sports Conditioning” the spin technique). for the International Sports Science Association (L.S.S.A.).
Coach at the University of Colorado. He is currently the Director for hard practice and training. To be successful, C.J. has incorporated the brilliance of longevity. “You can get there by getting one part stronger, develop using the best methods for throwing and what accompanies it, one day at a time”.
From BFS Magazine — Fall 1995. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
