McNutt throws his weight around in football, track

College athletes have it tough.

That is what makes Neal McNutt's accomplishments so amazing. McNutt not only stars for the Penn State men's indoor track team in the 35-pound weight throw, but he also plays for the Nittany Lion football team.

Despite a solid performance in football during high school, McNutt was recruited by Penn State to throw for the track team. But, he said, it was hard to let football go, so he decided to try out for the Lions after his freshman year.

"I did track for my whole freshman year and then realized how much I missed football," McNutt said. "I didn't want to be 40 years old and regretting not ever trying to play football, so I decided to give it a shot and see where it would go from there."

It was a decision that has paid off for McNutt. He has played well enough to earn a football scholarship and has been a part of the Lions' Outback and Fiesta Bowl championship teams.

McNutt, a left defensive end for the Lions, said playing for Penn State has not only been an honor but also has enhanced his track skills dramatically.

"I love football, and it's a privilege for me to be on the team and to help them out," he said. "The workouts I'm going through for football are 10 times harder than what my competitors are going through. Football really helps my conditioning. Right now I'm throwing against guys who are fat and out of shape."

Assistant track coach Bill Whittaker, who works with McNutt at practice, agreed football has definitely made McNutt a better track athlete.

"Football and track work well together. Football makes Neal much stronger," Whittaker said. "He needs to be powerful and strong in both sports, so they complement each other well."

The improvement in McNutt's track performance this season has been impressive. He has increased his personal best in the 35-pound weight throw by five feet and is rapidly closing in on the school record in the event. McNutt has yet to lose this season, and his throw of 164 feet, 3 inches has him on the threshold of earning a trip to the NCAAs.

What makes his accomplishments this season even greater is the fact McNutt did not start throwing the 35-pound weight until two years ago. In fact, he said he never even saw a 35-pound weight before he came to Penn State.

Whittaker said McNutt's rapid success has taken him by surprise.

"I knew he had the physical ability, but I never thought he'd be throwing 64 feet after two years," he said. "He has really worked hard and has done everything he can to improve. He asks a lot of questions and becomes a student."

McNutt said he thinks he can be a factor if he earns a trip to Indianapolis to compete in NCAAs.

"The hardest thing about nationals is just getting in. Once you get in -- if you're a good competitor, if you can block out the crowd or use the crowd as an adrenaline rush -- you'll do great," he said. "The advantage I think I have if I go is the fact that I competed against the probable winner at NCAAs."

Something playing a large role in McNutt's life is his religion. He said he believes God has had a big impact on his success this season.

"I'm beating people who have been recruited from Europe and have been doing this since they were three. It's unfathomable, and I know it's not all me," he said. "I think God has been a part of this more than I've been a part of it. I think this may be a platform for me to thank God for everything he's done for me."

McNutt belongs to Athletes in Action, a Christian organization for collegiate athletes. McNutt credits its director, Tim McGill, for helping him cope with the anxiety of college life.

"He's an inspiration to me," McNutt said. "He has helped me deal with the all the pressures I've been dealt."

McNutt's achievements are many. It takes a special person to participate on two Division I programs and balance the rigors of college life at the same time. With everything he has accomplished, though, McNutt refuses to give himself credit for his success. Arrogance is not a word in his vocabulary.

"It's hard to balance both sports as well as academics and social life," he said. "I don't think I could be here without God and everything Tim McGill and my parents have done to instruct me and to help me grow up."

McNutt has enjoyed an outstanding track season, one he hopes culminates with a berth in NCAA championships, but Whittaker said the best it yet to come.

"He can throw a lot further in the future. He's got a lot ahead of him," Whittaker said. "He looks like a polished veteran to me."