University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Getting to Know Ethan Rich
2/6/2015 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field/Cross Country
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Ethan Rich, a redshirt senior from Spanish Fort, Alabama, began competing in track and field his freshman year of high school, and soon became addicted to throwing the javelin.
According to Rich, success in the javelin throw is all about how much effort and practice you put into it, and it's evident that his hard work got him where he is today. In high school, Rich did two-a-days, including weightlifting before school and practice after school. Now, he endures rigorous strength and speed workouts with the USM track team.
Fortunately, he has had a great support system through it all.
"I would have to say that my parents have been my biggest supporters throughout my career. My dad was my coach in high school and he would spend extra time breaking down film and training with me," Rich said. His parents, Lemuel and Cathy, travel to every meet in which he competes.
Rich's favorite part about being a javelin thrower is competing against the top collegiate athletes in the United States. In 2011, he had the opportunity to travel to Eugene, Oregon to compete in the USATF Junior Outdoor Nationals against the nation's best 19-year-olds and under. That memorable trip to Historic Hayward field inspired Rich to work even harder to one day compete there again.
Despite having numerous offers from other schools, Rich came to Southern Miss because he believed it was the best place to pursue his athletic and academic goals. His biggest personal achievement here came in 2012 when he medaled in the Conference USA meet despite coming off a season-ending injury the year before.
Rich, who graduated in August 2014, is currently earning his Master's degree in Sports Management. After earning his second degree, Rich hopes to start coaching at the collegiate level so that he may one day become a head coach.
From his experiences as a successful javelin thrower, Rich has some advice for young track and field athletes:
"I would suggest to any young athletes to go the extra mile in training. That means showing early to practice, leaving late, doing things on your own, maybe finding a private coach so that you can work year round to become a better athlete, and making sure you are eating right and not putting unhealthy food in your body."
