Arizona defensive lineman Chima Ugwu is big enough to leave an impression wherever he goes. Standing at 6-foot-4-inches and weighing over 300 pounds, it is easy to see why Ugwu is unforgettable.

Since the first UA football game is quickly approaching, and the Summer Olympics concluded for more than three weeks ago, Ugwu has only football on his mind. But, when asked about his experience in the Olympics, Ugwu didn't hesitate to recall his memories .

The junior, who came to the United States in 1994, was born in Enugu, Nigeria, and was proud to represent his native country.

Ugwu said competing in the shot put was a wonderful experience.

"It was a great pleasure for me," Ugwu said. "It made me very happy in every way."

Ugwu was quick to say he wasn't happy about not making the finals. He said prior to the first day of competition, he was throwing between 66 and 67 feet.

"My coach was very happy I was throwing well," Ugwu said. "When the competition came, everything was gone in the snap of a finger."

Ugwu blames the Nigerian officials for his poor throwing in the first competition. He said they told him he was to throw at 11:05 a.m., but he was scheduled at 10 a.m. and got to the Olympic Stadium too late to warm up.

"My body didn't have time to adjust," he said. "I had just come from sitting on the bus. If I had time to warm up, I would have thrown better. It wasn't my fault."

Regardless of the misunderstanding, Ugwu said he is thankful he was there to compete.

"Whatever happened, I cannot change," Ugwu said. "But I'm happy that I was there."

Another disappointment for Ugwu was the opening ceremonies. Just as the network did when UA pole vaulter Dominic Johnson's native St. Lucia came into the stadium, NBC went to a commercial break, cutting off the presentation of Nigeria.

"It wasn't good at all," he said, not wanting to discuss the matter any further.

Staying at the Olympic Village was an experience in itself, Ugwu said. The increased security, however, was intimidating.

"The security was too high, and it scared me," Ugwu said.

The experience of competing in the Olympics was a hard thing to describe for the shot putter.

"It's not something that someone can explain to you," Ugwu said. "It was great to be around the other athletes."

So what did he learn from the Olympics?

"I won't be scared to compete against others," Ugwu said. "I have experience now."

UA track coach Dave Murray said the Olympics will help Ugwu and had nothing but positive things to say about him.

"He's a remarkable athlete," he said. "For a man his size, he's a great athlete."

Murray said Ugwu is also quick and agile and will continue to be a team leader.

"He's always smiling," Murray said. "And he always has something good to say."

Ugwu said competing with top athletes prepared him for important meets he will compete in at the UA.

"I have to prove to the world that I am a very good thrower," he said.

Ugwu said the most exciting part of the Olympics was having the opportunity to compete at that level against athletes from different countries.

"Just throwing in Olympic Stadium was exciting," he said.

As for Ugwu's plans, don't ask him about the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

"Right now I need to concentrate on football," Ugwu said. "I don't think about the Olympics in 2000."

UA head football coach Dick Tomey agreed.

"He's still learning the game," Tomey said. "Being in the Olympics set him back as far as our game is concerned."

Tomey said although Chima is using the skills he has for football, he has gained more weight than he wants for football.

"He's fine," he said. "Once he gets used to the football conditioning, he'll be an explosive athlete."

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