Jordan Geist embraces Penn Relays Shot Put Challenge

Franklin Field is more than 300 miles from Knoch High School and Jordan Geist's home in Butler County.

Despite the distance, the sophomore sensation might feel right at home Friday afternoon as he looks to pick up a major meet victory and end a Pennsylvania dry spell in the Penn Relays' shot put.

“He is super excited to throw at Penn because my family is going to be there to watch him compete," said Judy Geist, Knoch's throws coach and Jordan's mother who grew up in Philadelphia. “This is the first time they will get to witness him throw firsthand. They even had T-shirts made and call themselves the 'Beast Brigade!'"

What these people will get to experience is one of the top young field event performers in the state and U.S. And the 2015 version of Jordan Geist is even markedly improved from last year's model who hit the high school scene at over 61 feet and had top statewide finishes indoors and out.

“Jordan is a different competitor this year because he has matured mentally an...