Andrew J. Sabeh never set out to be a thrower. In fact, his entry into track and field began with a focus on speed, not distance. But what started as cross-training for football soon revealed a hidden gift and a passion for the power events. Now a standout in the hammer, weight, and discus throws, Sabeh has carved out his own lane through grit, faith, and relentless work. His path hasn’t been typical, but it has been fueled by quiet discipline and bold breakthroughs. From his early days as an overlooked athlete to becoming a school record-breaker at NJIT, Sabeh’s journey is a reminder that sometimes your greatest calling finds you when you’re just trying to keep up.

How did you get started in track and field, and what drew you to your specific events?
I joined the track team in high school to get faster for football. So, believe it or not, I used to run the 100 and 200 meters. But the throwing coach needed people, so I would practice with him once a week. The following year, I gained muscle mass for football, and the throwing coach told me I would be able to make it far if I gave effort. Then, all of a sudden, I was blasting the discus. I got named First Team All-County after training with him as hard as I could every day. With that title, I emailed NJIT to walk on to their team and then broke their school records in my respective events of hammer and weight throw—which had not been broken for 14 years.

What’s a typical training week like for you in terms of sprint/hurdle/field event workouts?
I lift in the morning from 7–8 a.m., Monday through Thursday, and I practice from 3:30–5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, as well. I compete on Fridays and spend time with my family and friends on the weekend, along with some mobility training to stay healthy.

What’s the most challenging part of your event, and how do you train to overcome it?
The most challenging part of my event is staying consistent. In order for your implement to get thrown far, you must stay loyal to your technique. But, naturally, humans want to do their best, so even when you’re training, your instinct is to throw it as far as you can. That affects your consistency and distance instead of learning and mastering proper technique.

What’s your toughest workout or training session, and how do you mentally get through it?
My toughest workout is definitely my leg days, as I go very heavy on squats and I do many movements that kill my legs. But during the workout, I remember the reason why I am doing this. I want to throw far, I want to be the best, and I want to keep growing. It is all worth it once you zoom out and see that this is just 1/100,000 days and 1/20,000,000 hours.

Do you have a favorite drill or technique that’s helped you improve?
My favorite drill is practicing my turns for hammer with a medicine ball. The ball imitates the weight of the hammer, and using this drill has helped me improve my technique, as there is no throwing aspect I have to focus on for this drill.

Describe your pre-race or pre-event routine. Any superstitions or must-haves?
My pre-event routine has been the same for quite a while. I wait until about 45 minutes before my event starts. Then I crack open an energy drink and sip on it while I stretch out and listen to music. Once I feel I am loose enough, I go to a silent corner and pray to Jesus Christ, who has been my main source of motivation for this journey. I pray that the day goes according to His plan, and then it’s game time.

How do you handle nerves or pressure before a big meet?
I pray to alleviate any pressure or nerves and remember that I’m doing this because I love it and it’s fun—not because I have to.

What has been your most memorable performance so far and why?
When I broke my first school record in the weight throw. It was the last meet of the indoor season, and I was the only thrower who had traveled to Boston. I was scared and nervous, but I knew that day had to be the day because it was my last chance to break it before I entered junior year. Not only did I break it, but I shattered the old record of 16.49 and made it 17.13m with a massive PR.

Who do you look up to in your sport, whether locally or professionally?
I don’t really look up to anyone. I just like throwing this ball far, and I know I have the potential to make a name for myself.

What’s one technical aspect of your event you’re really focused on improving right now?
I am trying to improve my weight distribution throughout my throw and to reach further with my arms to allow for maximum speed pickup.

How important is mental preparation in your events, and how do you work on it?
I believe it is the most important part of this sport. In order to stay competitive and win, you must be loyal to your technique, and you can’t lose focus during the event. I personally pray before events and in the days before if I feel I need more motivation or if I just need someone to rant to.

Do you approach your events more with strategy or instinct? Why?
I approach it with more instinct because when you get to the meet, your goal is not to change anything. You want to go out there and throw how you are naturally supposed to. It’s the training before that allows you to develop the instinct you’re going to use in the meet.

What’s your favorite track or field venue to compete at and why?
My favorite was Monmouth University because it was very clean and open, and they had a beautiful circle for us to throw in.

What kind of music or motivation gets you hyped before competing?
I like to listen to fast, upbeat music.

How do your teammates or training group influence your performance?
I talk to them while I am waiting my turn to throw in order to keep my mind from overthinking.

What’s your go-to recovery routine after a meet or heavy practice?
After a heavy practice or meet, I usually spend the night at home stretching for at least 15 minutes. Sometimes, to be honest, I just come home and rest.

How do you balance school, life, and training? Any tips?
It’s honestly the hardest part about being an athlete, especially on the Division I level. I’d say it’s important to prioritize school as your number one, then training will follow. If you have any time after these are completed, then you can enjoy the simple things in life.

Outside of track and field, what are your interests or hobbies?
I hang out with my family and friends whenever I am not training. I am one of eight, so my family is massive, and I love all of them.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your event?
Don’t get discouraged. It is not easy to be the best or even close to it, but remember—it takes no skill to show up every day, and it takes no skill to give 100% effort every day. I used to be an unathletic, skinny kid who was very weak. I showed up, that’s all I did. I tried my best every single day, and eventually, the results paid off. Showing up is 90% of the battle. Find your motivation and keep it.

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