Nate's Road Journal Check-In

Mr. Sexton showing some textbook form.

By Jason Liebgott

After Nate Sexton sat down with us for the first interview - I thought it would be fun to check in with him along the way and see what's going on.

This question is a bit of a play on the last time I emailed you: If you could hop in a time machine and have a conversation with the pre-2015 tour Nate Sexton, what would you tell him? I have to think that you've learned some touring-life lessons along the way!

I don't think I would change much, touring with Paul in the rig that he has this season is a great way to go! I am tempted to say that I would advise my younger self to get out on the National Tour earlier but I am not sure it would have been as good an idea back then with nothing but an old car to travel in. So far I don't have any regrets!

What has life on the tour clarified for you?

Eating well can be difficult, some areas of the United States do not yet know about good food. Some days the country feels really big, and other days it feels like we could drive to anywhere and be there sometime in the middle of the night tomorrow.

Do you feel like you're seeing a plan start to form for your place in the industry as a full time job?

I am starting to think about my place within disc golf going forward. I do feel like there will be a full time job for me once I hang up the discs.

What's the hardest struggle been?

Time away from my wife is far and away the most difficult part of playing on the tour.

Do you feel that there's added pressure on you that comes with touring with Paul?

No, maybe if my face was huge on the side of the RV I would. I feel fortunate to be able to practice and play with Paul, he takes the game seriously and his play constantly reminds me that I am not good enough yet.

2016 Innova Sexton Proto (Classified)

Have you discovered anything about your game this season? Any specific shots that are needing work? Any form tweaks going on? Do you find yourself thinking less and committing more to the shot you know you have?

Somewhat, I know I still need work on my backhand power game through tight tunnels or near OB. I have made some strides but I still feel that most of my mistakes come from not fully committing to those shots.

Has anybody surprised you with their game? Maybe somebody you recently met or have seen them coming on strong this season?
 
Lots of people, Anthony Barela, Zach Melton, Eagle McMahon, Nate Tomlinson, Calvin Heimburg, to name a few. (Psst, I added some videos for each of these guys)

Does a tour like this have you feeling like you'd want to continue doing it next year? 

At this point I would be interested in touring again next season. I think I would need to build in more trips home to see my wife though.

Did the fundraising for St. Jude have an impact on you?

It was fun, I worked really hard at it and I am proud of the money I was able to raise. If I can be involved again next year I will work even harder to help Disc Golf make a positive impact on our world.

Music Trivia

1. Song for getting ready before a tournament.

Paul takes care of these, he has some good ones. We usually listen to Kid Ink - Hell and Back.

2. Song for driving across a never ending stretch of TX.

I like Conor Oberst in one form or another. Bright Eyes, or Mystic Valley Band.

 3. Song for beers after the round is over.

Dawes - When My Time Comes