For Brian Robison, it's been "football first"
since being drafted by the Vikings in 2007. He's a defensive end out of Texas with a bright future. But Robison, a five sport star in high school, is rekindling his love for another sport.
Brian is back in the shot put circle training for a chance to become world class again. That's right; again.
Back in 2006, Robison had a put of 68 feet 4-1/4 inch. At the time, it was the 11th best throw in the world. Brian was so good, he finished fourth at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships.
But that was more than two years ago. Now, with the Vikings blessing and the help of Gopher track coach Lyndon Reder, Robison Is back training and focusing on throwing the 16 pound shot. On Monday in practice, Brian threw almost 63 feet.
"I'm very excited,"
Robison said while practicing at the University of Minnesota this week. "I've only had three practices with Lyndon. I've actually only had six all year long, so to be able to throw 62'8" to be exact, to be able to throw that after only three practices with Lyndon, I'm very excited about it."
Robison will throw in a meet Friday at the University of St. Thomas and has been invited to compete at the prestigious Drake Relays in Des Moines next week.
"It's the 100th Drake Relays, it's probably the best collection of shot putters in the country this year, maybe the world this year,"
Reder said. "All the best guys, multiple world champs in the field, so Brian will have his work cut out for him down there. But if it's a for real deal, if he really wants to do that, get back into the swing, then he's got to throw with the big boys."
So Brian is back in the circle and he thinks by June, he could throw 65 feet, maybe even 68. That's exciting stuff, but he knows eventually his day job will take precedence.
"When I'm with football, I'm with football. When I'm with track, that's what I'm doing,"
Robison admitted. "I never get them mixed up. Like I said, during football season, I'm never thinking about track. During track season, I hate to say it, but I'm still thinking about football, but I don't let them get mixed up."
