'We're all pushing each other': Fox Valley throwers make shot put, discus must-see viewing with success at state meet (2024)

LA CROSSE − At most track and field meets, the throwers toil in relative anonymity.

Away from the big crowds, an enclave unto themselves.

The shot putters glide or spin to heave 8 to 12 pounds of dense metal as far as they can. The discus throwers spin in a windup meant to generate power and distance as they fling the implement that can weigh anywhere from 2.2 to 3.5 pounds, depending on gender.

The points they generate for their teams are every bit as significant as the distance runners, long jumpers, hurdlers and sprinters that can, and do, get more adoration at a typical competition.

During last weekend's WIAA state track and field championships, however, a collection of powerful athletes from the Fox Valley made inroads on getting more love from the track and field faithful.

Indeed, they represent what appears to be a Golden Age of throwers.

Hortonville's Smith leads star-studded throwers

Hortonville's Ben Smith was the obvious star in La Crosse. The senior won the Division 1 shot put title for the third consecutive season, setting a state meet record in the process with a throw of 70 feet, 9.5 inches, He also has the state's longest toss (75-1) ever. Smith also finished second in the discus with a throw of 207-4.

There was a slew of Fox Valley-area athletes in both Division 1 events finishing on the podium or just outside: Fond du Lac senior Matthew Rusch was second in the shot put (64-1.75) and third in the discus (188-5); West De Pere senior Andrew Baumgart was fourth in the shot put (60-0.75) and the discus (187-1); Kimberly senior Sam McGivern was third in the shot put (60-2) and seventh in the discus (176-10); his teammate Hunter Sprangers, a junior, was fifth in the shot put (58-4.25) and the discus (181-2).

Throngs of interested observers packed the boys shot put and discus areas on both days to see Smith go for the shot put record and compete with Waterford senior Bryce Ruland in the discus. Ruland won the D1 discus and is a top national thrower in his own right.

"I mean, we're outside the stadium right now throwing," Smith said. "But this year, it's the most people I've seen. Just packed in the stands and packed around the two sectors. I feel like I can take some part of it, but you have Matt Rusch, he's No. 4 in the nation in shot. You have the two Kimberly kids. Those are some big throwers and then Baumgart. ... We have five or six throwers over 60 in shot. That's pretty unheard of. You go to other states you don't see 60-foot throwers, which is unfortunate for the (Wisconsin state) guys because they're good throwers and know what they're doing. It's just crazy competition and we're all pushing each other."

In Division 2, Notre Dame junior James Flanigan won the shot put (59-2.75) and was second in the discus (170-10). Winneconne's Brady Immel was fifth in the discus (166-5) and teammate Hudson Samolinski was sixth in the discus (164-9) and in the shot put (53-3.5).

"For me, I see these guys like Ben Smith throwing 74 feet and I'm like, 'Dang, I need to put in the work and get up there, too,' " Flanigan said. "It's just a competitive area and we all have a high work ethic and the coaching is great in the Valley, too."

Girls throwers share the spotlight

But what about the girls? They were also well represented, with Ashwaubenon junior Thea Kral winning the Division 1 shot put (46-7.75) and discus (162-2). Fox Valley Lutheran senior Emma Nilson won gold in the D2 shot put (41-3.5) and was third in the discus (124-8). Notre Dame senior Sydney Whitehouse won the D2 discus (127-2). St. Mary Catholic junior Nolie Anderson took third in the D3 discus (131-10) after winning the title last season.

Then there's Freedom's Madison Schaper, who was third in the Division 2 shot put (39-0.25). Schaper had never thrown the shot put until this year and joined the Irish track team the third week of the season, according to Freedom throws coach Mark Lahay. She went from throwing 29 feet at indoor meets to setting several consecutive PRs at regionals, sectionals and finally at state. In two months, she went from never having thrown a shot put to the podium at state.

It was a remarkable feat that underscores the Fox Valley's excellence in throws. The athletes are a big reason, but also the help from dedicated coaches and various throw clubs in the area and the state have had a big impact.

"I really think it's the coaches and community that we've built around throwing," Ashwaubenon senior Lauren Mader said. "Since around 2010, we've always had a thrower at state for Ashwaubenon. I feel like we're building a community (of throwers) with that. ... With Fox Valley Throws and the clubs, a bunch of the throwers from that area have come together. We all know each other and I feel like we support each other."

Kral echoed the value of the throws clubs and coaching. The Fox Valley Throws club was mentioned by several of the athletes and there are also athletes that work out at Madison Throws Club.

“There’s a lot of throws clubs, which is definitely important," Kral said. "Getting work in the offseason and it really comes down to the coaching staff in general. Every single coach that you will meet from the Valley knows what they’re talking about. My two coaches are D3 state champions, so it comes down to the coaching staff and also comes down to the work ethic. Really, all sports in the Fox Valley are competitive at the very least."

Shot put, discus interest trending in right direction

What will the future bring for interest in the throws?

Mader, who finished third in Division 1 discus, thinks the recent success of so many throwers has boosted the profile of the sport and will pay off in the near future.

"I feel like there's so many people interested in throwing and that's what's going to get people to notice the sport more. with having the two top throwers in the nation for discus and the top throwers in the nation for shot," she said. "We're going to have so many people watching next year. It's unbelievable."

The success of the Valley isn't lost on Sprangers, who as a junior has designs on reaching the top spot next year in both throws.

"I think it’s opening the eyes to the world that shot and discus, it’s what track and field is about and it’s hard to do," he said. "Now that we got guys that are best in the country, it’s drawing attention and all these kids that might think, 'You know what, maybe I want to try throwing.' It’s awesome."