Junior Shane Cioni is never content with his performance as he and his team trek through the final legs of the track and field season. The Upland, Calif., native leads his team in shot put, discus, and hammer this season as he keeps up his work in the classroom after being a CCAA All-Academic selection last year. Sports Information Intern Jaymin Villaluz was able to catch Cioni to talk about how he got started in track and field, motivation, and being a student-athlete at Cal Poly Pomona.
 
Q: How satisfied are you with how your junior season as a thrower has unfolded so far?

Cioni: Truthfully, I am never satisfied. I have made big improvements since last year but there is still so much more I can do. 
 
Q: What inspired you to start competing in track and field?

Cioni: I first got started in track because of football. It was sort of the offseason sport for us. I eventually fell in love with the whole aspect of track and field and its uniqueness. I feel like it is the most bare bones representation of physical competition in all sports. 
 
Q: Describe your routine as you prepare yourself for your events.

Cioni: I really don't have a special routine that I follow. I try to stay loose and remain as calm as possible leading up to the event; you will always hear me cracking jokes even up to the second I am walking in to the ring. I usually just try to imagine myself throwing a ridiculously huge PR and that gets me pumped. 
 
Q: Who gives you motivation to always strive for improvement as a student-athlete?

Cioni: My coaches and my fellow athletes. I don't want to let anyone down on the team and feel like I put a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. When you're doing something for others rather than just yourself, it's amazing just how far you can push yourself. 
 
Q: In your opinion, what has been your career highlight as a Bronco thrower?

Cioni: So far, I'd have to say my shotput throw of 15.56m which was good enough for the 10th all-time spot at Cal Poly Pomona.
 
Q: If you were to encourage a novice fan to go watch their first throwing competition, what would you say?

Cioni: I would tell them to really focus on the energy and emotion that is put into it. There isn't any other event on the track like the throws. You can usually hear the roar from anywhere on the field when some throws a huge shot mark or slings the disc out there. 
 
Q: Out of discus, hammer and shot put, which throwing event do you like personally?

Cioni: That's a tough one. I have always liked the discus because of the idea of the ancient Olympians (Dionysus Statue throwing the disc). However, hammer is definitely something fun and new for me so there's a lot of excitement there. And also, the shot put is probably my best event but it is pain sometimes, so it's kind of a love-hate relationship there. 
 
Q: Who was your hero growing up?

Cioni: My Dad; just everything about him was awesome. He was a great Dad. RIP Pops.
 
Q: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Cioni: In five years, I hope to be working at a career I love, supporting myself, and living life to its fullest potential. 
 
Q: What is the most important thing you will take away from your time as a Cal Poly Pomona student-athlete?

Cioni: The friendships I have made along the way. I truly believe the most appealing aspect of sports is the chance to go through thick and thin with your best friends every day of the year. That's what builds friendships that will last a lifetime.

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