May 10, 2006
IOWA CITY, IA – He started his career as a highly acclaimed high school athlete. Now with just a few competitions left in his career, Tim Brodersen looks to defend his Big Ten Championship discus title and return to the NCAA Championships.
“He’s a champion athlete and a champion person. He’s one of our team captains. I’d say he’s the heart and soul of the team this year,” said Head Coach Larry Wieczorek.
Brodersen came to Iowa from Vermillion, SD. He was a four-sport letterwinner, competing in track, football, baseball and basketball. While he was an all-state linebacker in football and the captain of his baseball team as a senior, Brodersen experienced the most success in track. He was the state discus champion his junior year and runner-up his senior year. He also was a two-time regional discus champion.
When it came to deciding on a college, picking Iowa was an easy choice.
“When I came here on my visit, they were very hospitable. It was just a good place for academics as well as for my sport,” Brodersen said.
Brodersen redshirted his freshman year (2002). The next year, Brodersen continued to get his feet wet, competing in the weight throw, hammer throw, and discus during the indoor and outdoor seasons. He even qualified for the NCAA regionals for his discus throw of 165-10 at the Musco Twilight V.
His sophomore year was another year of growth. In addition to winning the hammer throw at the Jim Duncan, Brodersen placed 19th in discus (173-11) at the NCAA Midwest Regional.
Last season is one Brodersen will never forget. After finishing 18th in the weight throw of the Big Ten Indoor Championships, Brodersen made his greatest improvement yet. After a solid year, Brodersen won the Big Ten discus title with a throw of 187-0. He went on to place third at the NCAA Midwest Regional and 16th at the NCAA Championships.
While Brodersen has had many great achievements, Wieczorek believes his Big Ten title is his greatest accomplishment.
“He’s an outstanding student and an outstanding all-around person. But I think winning the Big Ten, I think that’s the most significant. That lasts a lifetime. It means something to anyone in the U.S. You say you’re a Big Ten Champion and everyone knows what you mean,” he said.
Brodersen also believes her performance at the conference meet is one he’ll never forget.
“I went into the conference meet having never placed. Just getting there and competing at a high level–to accomplish that was my goal,” he said.
In his final season, Brodersen has continued dominate. He’s already qualified for the NCAA regional in the discus with season-best mark of 187-9. With the Big Ten Championships starting Friday, Brodersen is doing the small things to make sure he has a successful competition.
“I think he just has to keep doing his best. You can’t control what other people do. I think he needs to focus on defending his Big Ten title. Just go out there and be the best Tim Brodersen you can be,” said Wieczorek.
“I’ve just been keeping my technique sharp, have been in the weight room, and talking to the coaches and my teammates,” said Brodersen. “Just making sure I don’t overlook the small things.”
With just a few meets left in his collegiate career, Brodersen has a lot to be proud of. While there have been many memorable moments, the people he met will be what he carries with him after he graduates.
“My teammates. They have made the experience special and memorable,” he said.
By Jennifer Bissell, Iowa Sports Information