Athletics

My Journey to Competing in Red

N Our Voice by Maxwell Otterdahl

My Journey to Competing in Red

Growing up with two older brothers, the competition was always fierce in the Otterdahl household.

My parents had a rule that we needed to play three different sports every year.

Since my brothers were both throwers, I wanted to throw.

And, since my brothers were throwers, I always tried to beat their marks.

Training together, even after my oldest brother turned professional, gave every rep more intensity than if I trained by myself.

They’re just awesome.

My brothers make everything more fun, and their influence played a large role in why I’m competing for Nebraska now.

I followed them to North Dakota State because I trust Coach Justin St. Clair and knew his training could get me to the top.

But when St. Clair moved programs, for one of the first times in my life, I was hesitant to follow.

I knew he was the right coach, but I didn’t want to leave my friends and life behind in Fargo.

Thankfully, my brother stepped in.

But, there’s more to the story.

Let’s just say, I’m ready to be back.

My journey

Since I was already familiar with the program, it was a pretty easy transition from high school to competing at North Dakota State. But I knew Coach St. Clair was considering moving to a different program.

We were sitting at the airport one day, and he randomly asked me what my favorite color was.

People have told me I look good in red.

“That’s interesting,” he said.

“Because I think you’d look really good competing in red and white.”

Maybe he was talking about Wisconsin or Indiana.

When I realized he was talking about Nebraska, I honestly wasn’t sure if I was ready to leave everything behind at NDSU.

But my oldest brother Payton and Coach St. Clair sat me down and asked me what was ‘most important’ to me at this point in my life.

The answer was clear — track and field.

If I wanted to be the best I could be, I had to follow St. Clair, who was instrumental in my success.

So, I made the decision to transfer to Nebraska, and it’s worked itself out ever since.

And I’ve fallen in love with the community.

The fan support is unmatched.

Nebraska loves its athletics.

They invest in student-athletes; we have access to some of the best gyms and resources in the country. They provide three, high-quality meals a day, for example.

Coming from a smaller program, it’s those kinds of things that really fascinated me.

The whole country knows how insane Husker fans can be, and they’re right.

Redshirt Season

Unfortunately, I redshirted last season due to a genetic condition that required surgery on my hip joint.

It was difficult to watch my teammates from the sidelines.

The FOMO was real, staying home every weekend as my teammates traveled to compete.

However, it also fueled my hunger to get back on the field and compete again.

I used that time to heal, learn and stay connected with my teammates.

I watched their performances, offered advice and kept myself involved in any way I could.

 

Looking Forward

Now that I’m back, I have big goals. I’ve been fortunate to be an All-American in three field events, but I think I’ll primarily focus on shot put this season.

I want to break the NCAA record in the shot and win a national title.

If you can throw over 22 meters, you can become a legend in the sport.

I also hope to reinvest in my team and help them win the Big Ten title again.

I believe all of these goals are within reach, and I’m ready to give it my all.

I’ve had incredible support from my family, friends and the staff here at Nebraska.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete for the best team and fans in the country.