The Observer, March 21, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 21
Spartan Spotlight: Brandon Jeffries
Brandon Jeffries is a senior chemical engineering major from Northfield, Ohio. He's participated in track for four years as a thrower.
Joe Amick: What sports do you play?
Brandon Jeffries: Football and field and track.
JA: What inspired you to do this "field and track?"
BJ: I'm kind of a big guy, so they seemed the natural choices.
JA: Any hobbies or extracurriculars?
BJ: At Case? Are you kidding?
JA: Just trying to fill some space. Who's your favorite athlete?
BJ: Ulf Timmerman.
JA: What's your best track memory?
BJ: Last year at Brandeis, when Paul Hannen and I took 1-2 in the weight throw.
JA: What about your worst track memory?
BJ: Breaking my foot on the toe-board.
JA: Like the girl at Six Flags this summer. How's that for a timely reference? Wait, no follow-ups. What's your favorite quote?
BJ: "Be on time." There are a few people who will remember this one.
JA: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
BJ: A successful engineer who throws in Highland Games on occasion.
JA: Sounds good. What makes track stand out from other sports?
BJ: It is the single most diverse sport out there. From runners to jumpers to throwers, we got 'em all.
JA: If you could invite any three people to dinner, living or dead, who would they be and why?
BJ: Paul Hannen, because he is the champ. Chuck Norris, because he's Chuck Norris and would probably find out I didn't invite him, and the Macho Man Randy Savage.
JA: That's like the Murderer's Row of manliness. Would you rather have the strength of 1000 men, be able to fly, or be invisible?
BJ: Flying, definitely flying.
JA: What's your least favorite thing about track?
BJ: The long hours. It takes up all of our free time.
JA: What about having to throw things that are heavy? But more importantly, if you could be a girl for a day, what would you do?
BJ: Set every women's throwing record.
JA: And then just disappear the next day. If you could participate in any other sport, which would you pick and why?
BJ: Soccer. It seems easy when all you have to do is stand around in a goal the whole game. We football players really don't forget these things.
JA: What goes through your mind during a meet?
BJ: If I'm doing well, nothing.
JA: So if you had a nice, big brain lesion you would be an Olympian. Finish this sentence: Track is like a girl…
BJ: …some days are good, some days aren't, but you just got to live with it.
JA: I don't get it. What's the high point in the track season?
BJ: UAA Championships baby.
JA: In a couple months, the parents of a WashU or Emory distance runner are going to be shocked/upset. Who is the best athlete you've ever competed with and why?
BJ: Paul Hannen. You never knew what he was going to do.
JA: Any insight on how the season is going so far?
BJ: We are just starting the outdoor season and we are ready to build off of our successful indoor campaign.
JA:What would we find in your locker right now that might surprise us?
BJ: A kilt.
JA: As always, more questions than answers.
