Sept. 17, 2009
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The largest player in UCF history is not so big anymore. Thanks to a healthy diet and a new exercise regimen, sophomore center Jakub Kusmieruk (Sokolaw Podlaski, Poland) has dropped 40 pounds since the end of last season.
The 7-foot-4 Kusmieruk, who currently weighs 280 pounds, clearly looks slimmer. He is hoping that his new physique pays dividends this upcoming season.
He credits the weight loss to running a few miles per week, plus better eating habits. Kusmieruk is avoiding soda, sweets and limiting his carbohydrate intake. His daily schedule now includes waking up at 6:30 a.m., jogging and then eating a good breakfast.
"Running in the morning gets you in the flow. You start your day early," he said. "You run and eat a good breakfast so your metabolism is going."
Kusmieruk says that losing the weight has been surprisingly easy.
"Being as big as me, losing 30 or 40 pounds was not that big of an issue."
There was no single moment that forced Kusmieruk to change his lifestyle and drop the pounds. Instead it was the realization that his weight, which was as high as 320 pounds in 2008-09, was preventing him from excelling for the Knights.
As a freshman he appeared in 14 games as a reserve and averaged 2.2 points and 1.0 boards in 5.0 minutes per game. The big man showed flashes of potential, including a six-point, three-offensive rebound performance versus Florida.
"I realized that I had to get quicker," Kusmieruk said. "I need to lose weight and get in better shape so coach (Kirk) Speraw can use me better on the court. I did not really have a (weight loss) goal. While I was working out and eating correctly, the weight started dropping."
Kusmieruk has looked more agile during preseason workouts. His simple methods have led to a big change.
"I feel quicker. I have more stamina. I feel more energized. It has definitely paid off," he said.
Kusmieruk and the Knights will open the 2009-10 campaign on Nov. 13, hosting Massachusetts at the UCF Arena. UCF will play 15 home games this year and season tickets are currently available by calling (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com. Season tickets start at just $79.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
Notes: The Knights are continuing preseason individual workouts this week. The squad has been working out with the UCF coaching staff in two different groups - guards and posts.