Gerhard De Beer, a two-sport athlete for the Wildcats as a discus thrower and offensive linemen, will be competing at the national track and field championships next weekend in Eugene, Oregon. Today he sat down and answered some questions for fans to get to know him better.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or pre-meet routines?

A: “Not much, no. I believe that you are to take the day as it comes your way. I don't buy too much into having a set routine, none of that has an influence on me.”

Q: How do you handle the workload of playing two collegiate sports (football and track) while also doing your schoolwork?

A: “It's definitely challenging. I have a lot more free time during travel for track than I do traveling with the football team. I try and utilize my free time as best as I can by doing my schoolwork and getting things like a computer science project done.”

Q: Is there an athlete you look up to or try to emulate?

A: “In the U.S, no because I notice I have a different personality than a lot of the athletes here. Pierre Spies is a guy I look up to from my hometown, where I actually broke some of his school records in the discus. He is a South African rugby player now for the Blue Bulls, who actually play right across from our old high school. So yeah he is a guy that I look up to and has great personal values and works hard.”

Q: How has it been working with throws coach T.J. Crater this year and what has been his impact on your game?

A: “Coach Crater has been really good. He has been extremely willing to work with me and work irregular hours around my football schedule. He has been of great support throughout this whole process. I think he is great. He has been helping me with my technique and I have been improving on it.”

Q: What were your goals for track this year? Do you have any outside of track and field?

A: “My first goal of the year I failed, which was to win the Pac-12 title. It wasn't my best meet overall but now I look forward to completing my next goal of placing in the top-eight at nationals to earn All-American honors. As for football my goal is to never miss a running day and make sure my conditioning is at its peak. I also want to become an All-Conference player next season which will be my first in a starting position.”

Q: Favorite food?

A: “That is a great question man, I just love food. I would probably say Chicken Alfredo pasta.”

Q: Favorite sport's team?

A: “I would have to say the Springboks, they are the South African national rugby team.”