Spanning two days and 10 events, the decathlon is one of the truest tests of strength, agility and endurance an athlete can face. Portland State sophomore Nick Trubachik is the best decathlete in the Big Sky and ranked among the best in the nation. Trubachik, a homegrown product from Estacada, Ore., sits second on the all-time top-10 list for the Vikings after turning in a 7,058 point first-place performance at the Big Sky Championships, May 14-17.
Spotlight: Athlete of the week
Spanning two days and 10 events, the decathlon is one of the truest tests of strength, agility and endurance an athlete can face.
Portland State sophomore Nick Trubachik is the best decathlete in the Big Sky and ranked among the best in the nation. Trubachik, a homegrown product from Estacada, Ore., sits second on the all-time top-10 list for the Vikings after turning in a 7,058 point first-place performance at the Big Sky Championships, May 14-17.
Only a sophomore, Trubachik will likely break Ron Foster’s school record of 7,120 points, set in 1995, sometime in the next two seasons. The Vanguard caught up with Trubachik for a few questions earlier this week.
Why did you come to Portland State?I wanted to compete against really good athletes and push myself against Division I competition.
What has been your best moment on the track? Definitely hanging out with the track team. We practice together five days a week and become a family. We go to dinner with each other a lot, and whenever anyone has a problem we always talk it out.
If you could change any rule about track or the decathlon, what would it be? It’d be the option of having to run the 1,500m or not. We’re all done with the decathlon, and it’s the last event; everyone kind of dreads it.
What is your favorite place to eat around campus? I eat a lot at Subway, especially since they started the $5 foot-long deal.
What is your greatest strength? On the track, as a decathlete, I try to be good at everything, but I’ve been told I’m a pretty powerful athlete, so probably the throwing events.Personally, I’m a pretty laid-back guy and get along with my teammates and everybody. I’m not that much of a comedian, but I can make people laugh.
Do you have any unique training methods? Coach gives us a strict diet, and Vince [Kinney] and I are usually the first to get to practice and leave the latest. And we have running workouts we have to do on our own time, but nothing unusual.
What is the first item you would buy if you won the lottery? I’d pay off my schooling; then I’d buy a new bike. I’ve got a mountain bike that I like that I’m always riding around.
What was your favorite toy as a child? My Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures.
What was the last thing you cooked? Last night I cooked two New York steaks, mashed potatoes and some garlic chicken Rice-a-Roni.
Do you have any hidden talents? I can turn invisible. No, I’m pretty good at disc golf and I’m trying to conquer the guitar.
Who would you take a bullet for? Vince Kinney. We are best friends and brothers.
Do you read the Vanguard? Yes. I work over at the Smith building, so whenever I see a new copy I pick one up.
