IRVINE, Calif. - Launching ancient battle weapons into the air is Ryan Woodard's favorite past time.
 
The shot put, discus, hammer throw, and javelin are all a part of being a thrower on a track and field team, and the senior from Camarillo, Calif. specializes in all four.  Each event requires various kinds of technique, form, skill, and strength.  While it's a rarity for a thrower to enjoy all four of the throws events, Woodard is excited to compete in all of them this coming weekend at the PacWest Conference Championships. 
 
Ryan has spent his academic time at Concordia University Irvine studying kinesiology in hopes of becoming a strength and conditioning coach one day.  He has learned a lot from the graduate assistant coaches as well as the strength and conditioning coaches he's had over his four years at CUI and he looks forward to giving more athletes the same advantages he's had from his positive experiences.
 
When asked what the key to success is for a good day of practice, the St. Bonaventure High School alum had a thoughtful reply.
           
"Throwing is already hard enough, so the key to success is having fun, because low energy at a practice can kill a practice," explained Woodard.
 
Woodard is taking his lessons learned and fun spirit to help support the men's team as they head towards the Conference Championships and try to fight for the first place prize.
 
"My personal goals are to get top three in my throwing events to help contribute to the team's success," said Woodard when asked what his goals are for the weekend.
 
What's key in his statement and true of the team culture on the men's track and field program is that every athlete is bringing his everything to as many events as possible, just to serve the team. As a senior, Woodard helps lead the way with the family mentality of service and pulls out all the stops for his fellow Eagles to try to win the gold for the men at the championship meet. 
 
As always, be sure to follow along on social media and FinishedResults.com to check back in on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 to find out how our CUI men and women's teams do as they compete in the PacWest Conference Championships in Fresno.  The two-day event is being hosted this spring by Fresno Pacific University.
 
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