Are Pennsylvania throwers getting better? Our data suggests that yes, PA throwers have gone to the next level in the Keystone State in recent years.
Big names like javelin national high school record holder Madison Wiltrout and shot put stud Jordan Geist kept us on the edge of our seats throughout their historic careers, and the effects of their greatness seemed to have trickled down the line.
In nearly every throws event -- the shot put, discus, and javelin -- Pennsylvania has seen an upward trend in the number of "elite level" athletes. We could speculate that the impact of those stars like Wiltrout and Geist, among many others in recent years, has resulted in other throwers rising to their levels to be competitive. It could also be better coaching that has allowed the athletes to compete at a higher level. Perhaps more athletes from other non-track sports are trying their hand in the circle or on the runway.
Regardless of the origins, the throws are on the rise in PA. But just how much...