Complete results can be found here.

WESTERVILLE, OH – After the debacle of a performance in April, it seemed like an eternity for June to get here and provide an opportunity to redeem myself. I had reduced my goals significantly, only hoping to record any legal mark and not to aggravate or re-injure my groin. In many ways, resetting expectations allowed me to relax and simply ‘have fun’.

This was my first masters meet, and first time competing as an age group competitor. I had no idea of what to expect other than hearing that the overall participation would likely be down as it was a ‘non-qualifying year’ for the National Senior Games. After checking in, I surveyed the javelin area and began conversating with the other athletes. I had heard the masters community is very friendly and that proved to be true.

The event started oldest to youngest age group, so I decided to help retrieve implements and officiate the flights leading up to mine. This proved to be a nice warm up for me and after a few prayers I was ready to go. I’ve never been a fan of throwing off grass, but after my first throw and recording a mark, I was pleased with the venue regardless of surface. My second throw landed flat and my final throw improved my distance by a small amount. I got a mark and didn’t re-injure myself, the day was a success!

When registering for this meet, I had decided to sign up for shot put and discus. Discus I had never done and shot put was more than 25 years ago. My goal for shot put was 30 feet, and on my last throw I threw exactly 30 feet. The distance was not good enough to earn a medal, but it was fun to do another event. I also enjoyed getting to see John Maynard throw the shot as he is one of the best in the world in the M50 age group. There was going to be a considerable wait before discus was contested so I made the decision to leave. I was satisfied with the day and knew I would not be competitive in the event anyways.