It was a big day for field events at the Trent Jackson/Cedric Walker Invite this past weekend. We already mentioned the 14-0 clearance in the Pole Vault, but one school was putting in big marks over at the throwing circle. Webster Thomas managed to sweep the Weight Throw, while also taking the Girls Shot and the silver in the Boys Shot.
Monique Hardy improved her US #1 to win the Girls Weight Throw. Her 63-0 measurement was the first time out of the 62-footers since her 64-7.25 winning throw at New Balance Nationals last Indoor. It's an important step in chasing the State and National Record set by Jillian Shippee (Shenendehowa) at 65-6 in 2017. Also of note, it puts more separation between Hardy and her biggest National Challenger, Cheyenne Figueroa (Classical, RI), who sits at US #2 with a 62-8.5. Earlier in the year, Hardy also set the Section 5 Record in the Shot Put, when she tossed 43-4.75.
Over in the boys, it was just as big an effort for teammate Sean Smith. With a personal best of almost two full feet, Smith moved to NY #2 and US #8 for the year, with his 69-11.75. The mark is also less than an foot off the Section 5 Record, currently held at 70-8, and less than 6 inches off the State Lead held by Nick Pisciotta (Commack). Smith also now stands as NY #16 All-Time in the Weight Throw, with another whole year of eligibility.
It's anticipated that Pisciotta and Smith will meet up at the Millrose Games, which typically invites the top athletes in the area to compete. The same can be said of Hardy and Figueroa, highlighting the strength of the Northeast in the event. Strong competition typically creates strong winning marks, so we'll keep our eyes on the throwing circle in the coming weeks. We caught up with Hardy over Christmas Break, to talk all things Weight Throw. Check it out below.