Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Chris Schrum

It was a clean sweep for Sarasota boys weightlifting at the FHSAA Class 3A-District 12 meet. On April 9 at Frostproof High School, the Sailors secured team titles in both Olympic and Traditional style. Senior Chris Schrum of the 139-pound weight class placed first in Olympic with a total lift of 435 pounds, as well as second in Traditional with 465 pounds. Schrum is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

What were your takeaways from the district meet?

At districts, I just kept it pretty light. My main goal is working toward states. Don't want to kill myself in these upcoming weeks. The goal is to peak around a week before regionals, then reach states and go all out there and hit some PRs there.

How have you tried to improve recently?

In practice, I've been just trying to dial in my technique every day (and) stick to my program. Out of practice, just keeping my nutrition right, sleeping eight hours a day and doing my best to stay healthy.

What were your goals entering this season?

Stay injury-free, but mainly, just do my best. I motivate these boys to do their best and push as many to get them to states. For me, personally, just make it to states and place top three.

When and why did you start weightlifting?

I started freshman year. It was more of an aid to my main sport at the time — soccer — but I decided to quit that and focus more on weightlifting. And it was all because of the old coach we had (Josh Phillips). He just said, "Hey, why not try?" and I was like, "Yeah, why not." And I found that I love it.

Why have you stuck with the sport after all these years?

Honestly, the coaches that I've met along the way are very helpful. My personal coach is a great guy — keeps me motivated every day (and) pushes me to do better. Personally, I just like to see myself succeed and I just want to be the best I can, so that drives me to be better.

What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

Just go out there and do what you can do. Don't worry about other people, because they can miss lifts, they can fail or do whatever. But if you go out there and do your best, that's all you can do.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I'm very good at cooking. That was going to be my major. I was going to go to culinary arts school before I decided to switch over to exercise science.

Is there a certain dish you specialize in?

Not a dish, but Italian cuisine.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

Chicken. You can just do so much with it.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

The French Alps. I'm big into winter sports.

What music helps you get in the zone during a lift?

Either R&B or house music. I don't like a lot of words, I just feel the heavy beat.

Finish this sentence. Chris Schrum is...

Passionate.