The Calvin Sports Information Office recently caught up with Calvin fifth-year senior thrower Misael Martinez Vasquez for a D3week Q & A Feature. 

Q: Tell us a little bit about your journey to Calvin when you were a high school student?
 
A: When I was at Grandville Calvin Christian High School, I knew I wanted to go to a smaller college. I knew about Calvin because my mother is actually a professor in the (Calvin) Spanish department. As a kid, I would often come to visit as she did her work. Because of this, Calvin already felt super familiar, but this made me hesitant to come to Calvin. However, the summer going into my senior year of high school I did the Entrada program here at Calvin and had such an amazing time.  Then, after one more visit to Calvin during my senior year, it was clear that Calvin was where I wanted to be. 
 
Q: How did you get involved in track and field, specifically in the throws? Did you participate in any other sports growing up?
 
A: Growing up I was blessed to be involved in many sports like soccer, football, wrestling, cross country, and swimming. However, it was not until middle school that I began participating in track. All my siblings ran, so I wanted to do something different and decided to throw. I was surprised by how fun it was and quickly fell in love with the sport. 
 
Q: You're Part of the Calvin throwers in track and field. Describe the culture of the Calvin throws squad and how you push each other to be better.
 
A: The Calvin throws squad is something special. I don't know what I would do without them. We are very close and have each other's backs in terms of throwing and life in general. We are also a very loud bunch. Whether we are in the classroom, weight room, or in the ring you will hear us cheering each other on. I can confidently say that we are the loudest and most supportive throw squad in the MIAA. 
 
Q: You're back for a fifth year with the Calvin track and field program. Explain your decision to come back for a fifth year.
 
A: Each year I have been on the team I have just had so much fun. The team is also so supportive and has helped me reach levels of competition that I did not think were possible for myself. A past coach encouraged me to stay another year as I had extra eligibility. At first, I was hesitant but after the indoor season last year, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I was not ready to leave the team and wanted to strive for more individually. I also knew that the team as a whole was headed in a positive direction and I wanted to be a part of that. 
 
Q: What are your personal goals for the outdoor season?
 
A: This season I am aiming to be a top 3 placer in the discus at the outdoor MIAA championship and potentially finish in the top 50 in the national rankings. I also want to score points in both the hammer throw and the shot put at the MIAA outdoor championships.
 
Q: What is your academic major and what would you like to do after graduation?
 
A: I am a therapeutic recreation and psychology double major. After graduation, I would like to find a job as a recreational therapist in a correctional setting or be a case manager for at-risk youth. 
 
Q: Is there a professor at Calvin that stands out to you that has been a big influence on you in a positive way?
 
A: There are several professors that have had positive influences on me during my time here at Calvin. However, one that comes to mind as I near graduation is Professor Youngkhill Lee. He is the only full-time therapeutic recreation professor here at Calvin and has done so much to help all of us recreational therapy majors out. He is so passionate about God, and recreational therapy and cares about his student's success deeply. 
 
Q: What would you like to do after graduation?
 
A: After graduation, I would like to find a job as a recreational therapist in a correctional setting or be a case manager for at-risk youth. I also plan to continue my throwing career as I chase the chance to make the Honduran national team.