Jordan Geist: 20 Questions With The Next Big Thing


Jordan Geist was already a three-time Pennsylvania state champion and two-time All-American heading into his junior year at Knoch High School. But he joined the record books this month, as he launched the shot put 69 feet, 6.5 inches to set the indoor state record and rank No. 9 on the U.S. All-Time List. Jojo talked to Geist about setting his middle school's 4x100m relay record and how quitting football may have been his best decision yet.

Congratulations on setting the Pennsylvania state record in the Shot Put. How long has the record been on your radar and how does it feel to take it down?  

It has been on my radar since last year, but didn't seem realistic until this year.
 
The 69-6.5 throw is not only a new state record, but lands you on the U.S. All-Time List. How does that make you feel differently about yourself as an athlete?  

It gives me a bit of a chip on my shoulder.  It is also a good goal setter to try move up in the rankings
 
What is the difference this year that has enabled you to improve to record-setting fitness? 

I am a MUCH stronger athlete this year.

What is the Pennsylvania state outdoor record in the shot put and do you think you can break that as well?  

The Pennsylvania Outdoor record is 70' set by World Champion Ryan Whiting in 2005. I believe I can break it.
 
What are your goals for your junior year? Senior year? 

Nothing specific, I just want to get bigger and stronger and throw as far as I possibly can.


Describe a typical week of training (the more details, the better!):
MONDAY:  upper body lifting
TUESDAY: battle ropes, speed drills and throw
WEDNESDAY: lower body lifting
THURSDAY: technique drills and throw
FRIDAY OFF DAY
SATURDAY: Meet Day
SUNDAY Full body lifting day

I do this work out while in season. Off-season is a whole different thing. 

Where do you practice? 

A friend of ours has an old ceramic factory he lets us throw in there against a wall during the winter months.

Can you describe the weather in your hometown and how it affects your training? 

Usually from November until March the weather is pretty cold, so we have to practice indoors. My school has no gyms open due to basketball and the weight room there is too small. So, I compensate by lifting in my weight room at home and throwing in the factory.

Do you keep a diet? What kind of food do you eat? 

I am trying to gain weight currently, so I am just eating anything and everything right now.

 
What sports did you compete in as a child and how/when did you start competing in track and field? 

I played basketball for 6 years, football for 10 years, baseball for 4 years and I have been doing track for 10 1/2 years. I started competing in track when I was in the fourth grade through the USATF program offered in the summer.

Can you describe your decision to quit football? How has that decision impacted your life? 

Football was no longer fun. Not playing has been one of the greatest decisions I made.  It gave me several injury free months to train!
 
Do you have any relatives who are accomplished athletes (track and field or otherwise)? What sports did they play and at what level? 

My mom played basketball and did track in both high school and college.  She was a 2x All-American in shot put at Slippery Rock University.  My dad played baseball and did track.  He was a 4x All-American in the javelin at Slippery Rock University.  My mom is in both her high school and SRU Athletic Hall of Fame and my dad is in the Butler County Sports HOF and SRU Athletic Hall of Fame.  My brother Jared is currently competing on the Slippery Rock University track and field team.  He is a long and triple jumper.
 
Who are your idols, in athletics and outside of athletics?  

I don't really have any idols.  I respect everyone's talents.
 
What is one thing that most people do not know about you? 

That I was on my Middle School's record-setting 4x100 relay.

What is your favorite non-track and field related hobby or interest? 

I still enjoy playing baseball, basketball and football. I also enjoy watching movies.
 
Describe a perfect day in the life of Jordan Geist.  

Just relaxing and hanging out with friends.
 
Song currently stuck in your head: NONE
Favorite guilty pleasure food: Pizza
Pick for Best Picture at the Oscars: Star Wars
Favorite book: NONE