FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (June 11, 2020) – Parker Joens, the 2019 Big Sky Outdoor Shot Put champion, has consistently been one of the top shot put throwers in the conference throughout his career.
This spring, Joens placed third at the Big Sky Indoor Track & Field Championships in the shot put where he recorded a season-best mark of 18.31m. The third-place finish was a one-spot improvement upon his fourth-place finish at last season's indoor championship.
After placing fourth at the 2019 indoor meet, Joens proceeded to win the conference championship at the outdoor meet and advanced to the NCAA West Region meet. Joens placed 38th at the regional meet and will enter next season looking to make his first NCAA Championships.
Q: Where are you right now and what does a normal day look like for you?
A: I am currently in Colorado and overall my life hasn't changed a whole lot. I've tried to maintain a normal schedule.
Q: What are you most looking forward to when you get back to competing on the track?
A: I'm most looking forward to getting to eat restaurants and get back to practice.
Q: What is motivating or encouraging you to push through these difficult times?
A: My motivation has just been the thought of next season.
Q: How did you first get into your sport?
A: I got into the sport when I was little. My dad was a track coach and I loved it.
Q: If you could be a dual-sport athlete at NAU, what sport would you compete in and why?
A: If I could be a dual sport athlete at NAU, I would do cross country because those guys are studs.
Q: If you could pick any other NAU student-athlete to try out your sport, who would it be and why?
A: I would love to see
Blaise Ferro,
Tyler Day and
Abdihamid Nur have a shot put competition.
Q: What is your best track memory ever?
A: My best memory is winning conference in shot put.
Q: What is your major and what are your career aspirations?
A: I'm an exercise science major and planning on going to physical therapy school.
