Ryan Whiting, Osayi Osunde, Karen Shump and Eric Sparks dazzled their audience in their respective field events at the 2005 PIAA Track & Field Championships. But only one played an entirely different type of field event on the same weekend. PennTrackXC.com interviewed all four...
Ryan Whiting, 12, Central Dauphin
Discus, 201-09.00 1st, PIAA AAA State Record
Shot Put, 70-00.00, 1xt, PIAA AAA State Record
Ryan Whiting in the Finals, after his 70-00 in the Prelims.
On Friday's record Discus, which was reportedly over 210: "On the final throw, they said I put my toe over the edge, but I didn't feel that I touched it. But they called it. I trust them. I wasn't too disappointed, because I have two more chances. No big deal.
Speaking Friday about Saturday's record Shot Put attempt: "I was close the whole time the week before at District (69-11.50), I threw 69, 68, 68, 69. I just didn't get to 70. There's not as much pressure to hit it here because I have two more opportunities, but I'd like to hit 70 here.
On Saturday's record Shot Put: "Last year I couldn't do it and was off a little bit, but came back and broke the record by 3.5 feet, so I'm really happy. It was great to break that old a record. Some people down there were saying Simkiew (Ron, Baldwin 1972) was the best thrower they've ever seen, so I was glad I could take him down, I guess.
On the two record throws from a technical viewpoint: "We still have stuff to work on. I still have two national meets, so hopefully we go farther and get on those all-time lists."
On how he competes: "Usually the first throw I am a little hesitant just to get with it. But then I just try to take control on the second one." (His 70-00 Shot Put was his 2nd throw of the Prelims).
On throwing the Shot and Discus: "It's not that difficult to switch between the Discus and the Shot because they're both a spin. The shot is just a smaller ring, that's all."
On Shippensburg as a throwing venue and his 2005 season goals: "This is my favorite throwing area because it's flat and you can see where you're going to throw. There are no hills or slants. You can see the lines. I didn't want to lose at all this year, and I lost once last year, so I am really happy about that. I love all the officials down there. I am going to miss it next year, but it's time to move on to bigger things.
Osayi Osunde, 12, Central Columbia
Osayi Osunde completes the Penn Relays-PIAA double with a record throw.
Javelin, 207.10, PIAA AA Record (was Chad Radgowski, South Park, 207-02, 2004)
Shot Put, 54-00.00, 4th AA
Discus, 146-09.00, 10th
On 2004 vs. 2005: "I have been dreaming about this day for years. After I lost last year and to come back strong and throw like this was great."
On which felt better, his Penn Relays championship, or state title and record: "Actually, at first what I thought was that the Penn Relay win would feel better. But after winning States, it feels better. And getting the state record also feels good. I did this one for my dad. My family, friends and coaches...everybody was there for me."
On the competition itself: "My calf started cramping after my second throw, but it worked out. My elbow has been giving me some problems, but that wasn't a factor today. That first throw in the finals, when you get that and you know somebody now has to beat you, that gives you an advantage. If he beats you, then you still get the last throw."
Karen Shump, 09, Penncrest
Shot Put, 44-05.00, 1st
Discus, 105-11.00, 14th
Karen Shump takes the AAA title between softball games.
Karen Shump, the talented, focused and driven freshman thrower from Penncrest, wasn't just competing at the state level in two field events, she was competing in the state tournament in softball over the same three-day period. Thursday night before her Shot Put on Friday morning, she helped her team get out of the 2nd round of the District playoffs by pitching three innings to close out the game after getting a couple of hits and a sacrifice fly. Penncrest had never advanced past the first round in the school's history, let alone won their league. She then headed to Ship and proceeded to win the AAA Shot with a throw of 44-05.00 on Friday morning.
But there was no rest for the weary, because it was back to Media and another game. That night they got to States for the first time, winning the District 1 Quarterfinals 5-3 over Neshaminy. She had three hits, a running catch in right field, and stole home. Then it was back to Ship for Saturday's Discus, where she finished 14th.
But she was thrilled with the three days. "This is pretty good. I was hoping for the freshman (US) record. But this is just a great achievement. I was really happy with indoors, and then I threw over 48 at my league meet. It was great to come out and throw one of my better throws. It's an awesome feeling. I am getting better at Discus."
Unlike Whiting, who uses the spin for both events, Shump uses the spin for the shot and glide for the discus. She may go spin for both, but that will have to wait until next indoor. First, she has some softball games to play, and a visit to the Nike Outdoor Nationals in three weeks to compete in the Shot Put.
Eric Sparks, 12, Hickory
Pole Vault, 15-10.00, PIAA AA State Record
Sparks at the start of his record jump.
On the competition: I was happy, considering the conditions. Plus, it was an inch higher than last year (when he won the AAA State title). It was very windy, and a long day of waiting in the sun. There was a aeadwind most of the time, side wind sometimes, or it was coming around the ends of the stadium. I just tried to tune it out of my head, and keep vaulting. I came in at 14-06 even though I usually wait until 15, but with the wind I wanted to get a jump in. I was going to vault for the win, not necessarily a PR. But 12 jumps is a lot. But it was a fun day... the crowd got into it, I set the record, so I was happy."
Sparks will attend Purdue University, and compete in the Big Ten.
OTHER INTERVIEWS FROM PIAA STATES
"I just kept thinking this is my last time here" - the stories of Smith, Krais and Kanuch @ States
Records, near records and repeats from Hatboro, N Penn, Weiss, Bixler, Miller, Simkins @ PIAA States
Ryan Whiting, Osayi Osunde, Karen Shump and Eric Sparks dazzled their audience in their respective field events at the 2005 PIAA Track & Field Championships. But only one played an entirely different type of field event on the same weekend. PennTrackXC.com interviewed all four...
Ryan Whiting, 12, Central Dauphin
Discus, 201-09.00 1st, PIAA AAA State Record
Shot Put, 70-00.00, 1xt, PIAA AAA State Record