GoPSUSports.com caught up with sophomore men's gymnast Matt Bowman to find out more about the Houston, Texas, native. Here's what he had to say:
Q: What do you do to stay calm and focused at critical times?
A: I chalk my hands and feet compulsively, and focus on the skills that I am worried about.
Q: Why did you choose to attend this university?
A: Because it has a good engineering program and the gymnastics tradition is incredible.
Q: What are some of the things that you wanted to accomplish before your college career is over?
A: Win a national title and become an All-American.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges that you¡¯ve had to overcome?
A: My physical weakness and poor basics.
Q: As a kid what athlete or role model did you look up to and why?
A: Hakeem Olajuwon, because he did his job and didn¡¯t act like a big shot like most professional athletes.
Q: How did you first get involved with your sport and why?
A: I use to climb trees, so my mom thought I would be good at gymnastics.
Q: What is your favorite moment during a competition and why?
A: My favorite moment is after I am finished, that is if I did well.
Q: What are some of the difficulties in competing in your sport at a high level that the average fan may not be aware of?
A: The pounding our bodies take. After years of competing there¡¯s not a gymnast that doesn¡¯t have some sort of reoccurring injury.
Q: For what do you rely on your teammates both during competition and in your life?
A: I rely on them for support.
Q: What are some of your other favorite sports?
A: Football
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Get a job, get married, and have kids.
Q: What do you do to kick back and unwind after a tough competition?
A: Sleep.
Q: What is the biggest thing you have learned during competition that will aid you in other areas of your life?
A: Never give up, and don¡¯t show your weaknesses.
