JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Fort Osage junior Asia Cole was only able to defend one of her throws’ titles at the Class 4 Track and Field Championships.
Cole struggled with her discus all year and finished fifth on Friday with a throw of 125 feet, 2 inches. She came back on Saturday and successfully defended her shot put crown with a heave of 44-5 ¼.
Even with the title, she couldn’t help but be a little disappointed with the distance following a sectional throw that went 47-2 ½ to set a new PR. It also got her excited about attempting to topple the state record mark of 47-7 ¾.
“I was kind of disappointed knowing that the state record was right there, but I know I have next year,” Cole said. “I stayed a little calmer and wasn’t worried about what would happen. I was calmer because I came in seeded higher than I did in the discus. I knew what I could do and if I hit my points I would be able to put it out there.”
In the Class 4 boys’ shot put, Timberland’s Josh McDonald got his shot put title to go with Friday’s victory in the discus. He won with a throw of 56-9 ¾, which also left him disappointed he couldn’t replicate his best throw of 59-9 earlier this year.
“It was almost too relaxed today,” McDonald said. “I feel like I just didn’t give it everything I had, and maybe I should’ve given more. I tried my best, and I’m not going to look back and wish I had tried harder.
“It’s a little disappointing not to throw your best, but a win’s a win in any sport so I’m happy I got the two titles.”
McDonald said he thought he had an edge when it came to the two throwing events because he can readily get advice and tips from his older brother, Alex, who won the discus title in 2009. Alex has continued his career at the University of Missouri, so Josh gets first-hand pointers on what it takes to make his throws competitive even on the collegiate level.
“I have an advantage definitely over other people because I get the experience that he has throwing four years in college, and he can relay that to me,” said Josh, who will continue his career at the University of Wisconsin.