The men's gymnastics team will be heading to the NCAA's this weekend. GoPSUSports.com caught up with junior men's gymnast Chad Buczek and this what the Bridgewater, Mass., native had to say:
Q: What do you do to stay calm and focused at critical times?
A: To stay focused I listen to music, tell myself to have fun and reassure myself that I can not only do this routine, but I can do it well!
Q: Why did you choose to attend this university?
A: I actually chose to go to UMASS first because of financial issues but then they dropped their team and Penn State (being my number one choice without the financial involvement) was my immediate replacement. Everything happens for a reason!
Q: What are some of the things that you wanted to accomplish before your college career is over?
A: Well we've accomplished two of them and that would be winning the Big Ten's and the NCAA's. Now I would like to focus on maybe repeating as NCAA Champions, but also become an All-American on a couple events and maybe in the All-Around.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges that you¡¯ve had to overcome?
A: Injuries! They are the worst. Right now I am trying to deal with a torn labrum in my left shoulder. It's really hard to only do two events when I'm usually and All-Arounder.
Q: As a kid what athlete or role model did you look up to and why?
A: I guess I had a couple role models. They were the older guys that I trained with in club. They were much older than me and graduated and moved on to bigger things when I was still young. So I got to see what they were doing and aspire to be at their level.
Q: How did you first get involved with your sport and why?
A: Like most I started really young. My parents would catch me climbing all over the counter tops and getting into the high cabinets when I was real little. They first put me in a tumbling class at age 3 and then I progressed into a normal gymnastics class.
Q: What is your favorite moment during a competition and why?
A: The best thing during competition is when you hit your routine in at a clutch moment and when others pull through too.
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 amount of training and rehab that goes on because you are never 100% and something always either hurts or doesn't go right.
Q: How much do you rely on your teammates both during competition and in your life?
A: In competition I rely on them a little to pump me up for a routine and be there when I am done. In life we are all there for each other whether it be a personal problem or a simple ride to class everyone helps everyone else out on the team.
Q: What are some of your other favorite sports?
A: I love surfing! Some of my others are snowboarding, wakeboarding, rollerblading, baseball, and football.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After I graduate, I really want to travel and surf around the world. I would also like to maybe move south where it's warmer than here and eventually I would like to start my own business.
Q: What do you do to kick back and unwind after a tough competition?
A: After competition I generally like to go out to eat with either my teammates or my family and then go out and hang out with my teammates and friends.
Q: What is the biggest thing you have learned during competition that will aid you in other areas of your life?
A: Have self confidence! Although I second guess myself sometimes, I have learned how to be confident and believe in myself and my capabilities.
