Nick Shironaka, English senior, carries a heavier load than most students.
Shironaka transferred from Fort Hays State University in Kansas after he picked up the sport of Olympic-style weightlifting.
“I transferred here after I got in contact with my coach here who eventually offered me a scholarship for OCU after my second year in Kansas,” Shironaka said. “I’ve been in the sport since my freshman year of college.”
Shironaka said he considered transferring when Fort Hays didn’t have a program for him.
“When I started out, I just did things on my own,” he said. “They didn’t have a weightlifting program there at Hays, which is why I started looking to see if there were schools around that did have it. I messaged a lot of different places, but my coach here was the only person to get back to me, and we really hit it off.”
Shironaka is completing his English degree, as well as competing in tournaments.
“Most of the stuff I was working toward for English was handled in the fall when I finished my capstone,” he said. “And weightlifting doesn’t have a designated season. So, we train year-round for competitions.”
Shironaka placed second in his weight class at the Nike 2018 National University Championships March 7-10 in Las Vegas. He’s training for another competition as well.
“We’re in prep for senior nationals, which will be the week after graduation,” he said.
In addition to Olympic-style weightlifting, Shironaka said he enjoys writing and old British literature.
“Before I got here, I didn’t do a whole lot of creative writing, but once I got here, I got into a couple classes,” he said. “Ever since then I’ve taken to a holistic approach with English and sort of enjoying what I can do.”
Shironaka said his teachers and coach got him to where he is today.
“Pretty much every professor I’ve had in the English department has made it a great experience,” he said. “And my coach, who I wouldn’t be here without, has always been a great part of being here and has done a lot to support me.”
Shironaka advised students to stay connected with the campus.
“Become involved in something and connect with a group of individuals who share interests with you,” he said. “The connections can last way beyond the four years of college.”
Jason Miller, chairman of exercise and sport science and Olympic-style weightlifting coach, said Shironaka is a model student and athlete.
“He’s a hardworking guy, and he’s earned all the things he’s achieving,” Miller said. “He’s made OCU proud.”
By Web Editor Jessica Vanek
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