Senior Mitchell Pope’s career at N.C. State has been studded with records and accolades. From breaking school-best marks to ACC championships to being honored as an All-American, Pope has earned every bit of recognition he has received throughout his career.

This year, Pope broke the school record for the indoor shot put twice. That record had been around since 1977. His current school-best mark of 64 feet 8.75 inches was the third best throw in the country this season. Pope said setting the record is one of the highlights of his season and he anticipates breaking the outdoor record before the season ends.

“There’s not really one moment,” Pope said. “It’s just been a great year. It would be hard to narrow it down, but breaking the indoor school record was a big moment. When I get the outdoor record it will be another big moment.”

Pope also enjoyed significant success last season as he was named All-ACC in both indoor and outdoor competition and earned All-American honors at the Indoor NCAA Championships. Pope mentioned last year’s NCAA Regional meet, where he placed second, as a special moment for him.

“Last year at NCAA Regionals I had a great throw,” Pope said. “It was a personal record at the time and I ended up getting second. That performance stands out to me along with the school records.”

This season, Pope won the shot put at both the indoor and outdoor ACC Championships. He has claimed first place in the shot put at each of the last six meets the team has participated in, including the Outdoor ACC Championships last weekend.

Despite his ACC title-earning performance, Pope sees room for improvement.

“I feel like I could have done a lot better,” Pope said. “I was warming up really well, and I guess when the meet started I let the pressure get to me a little bit. I still threw it pretty well.”

The team has four meets remaining until the NCAA Regional Championships this summer.

Pope’s performance at the NCAA indoor championships in March earned him a seventh-place finish and his second straight All-American honor. Asked about his aspirations for the NCAA outdoor championships coming in June, Pope’s reply was simple.

“I’m looking to throw the best I have — at least a top-three finish,” he said.

With all that the senior has accomplished in his time at State, he has future aspirations of being part of the United States Olympic team in Beijing.

“I’m trying to go professional,” Pope said. “I’m trying to get a shoe contract and make the Olympic team in 2008 and 2012.”

As he watches his collegiate career wind down, Pope said he will miss his days in the ACC.

“I’ve loved it and I’m sad it’s almost over,” Pope said. “It’s really been great.”