A tame Minnesota spring should lead to some big performances in the throws this season in Minnesota. The 2010 season may go down as one of the best seasons for the shot put in the history of Minnesota.
Even with the graduation all-time greats Jessica Cagle (Minnesota via Grand Rapids), Casey Dehn (Wisconsin via Owatonna), and Sean Wallace (Stanford via Owatonna) there are many returners from last seasons state meet who should make 2010 memorable.
Red Wing Junior Luke Johnson is currently ranked 20th in the history of Minnesota. His marks from 2009 (60-9 3/4, 173-2) are the second farthest recorded marks by a sophomore, only behind the state's all-time record holder in shot put, Nate Englin, and former record holder in the discus, Mike Yonkey. Johnson will likely have company over the 60' this season. South Dakota State Football recruit and Blaine standout, Dijon Starr (58- 7 1/2) and Logan Hussung of Farmington (56-4 1/2) are the among the leading contenders.
On the women's side, future Gopher, Kim Hovey (Red Wing) is the returning state champion in girls AA shot put and is looking to capture her first discus title. Kim will face stiff competition from St. Francis freshmen, Maggie Ewen (135-0), and New Prague junior Elly Reinke (135-8).
Some not-so-under the radar names to watch in 2010:
Eden Prairie senior, Tyler Kubler, whose lone indoor performance (56'7") ranks him 43rd nationally is already 4 feet farther than his top mark of 2009 is proving why he's one of the most highly recruited throwers in the Midwest.
Owatonna, who has claimed 4 of the last 6 throws titles returns Jake Fensky (Junior) as their top thrower. Owatonna has not had a problem replacing top talent over the last few years.
Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony junior, Jesse Reemtsma is the #2 returning discus thrower (170-1).
Sophomores Bryce Johnson (Champlin Park) and Thomas Anderson (Andover) had the 4th and 5th best marks by freshmen all-time in Minnesota in 2009. Don't be suprised if one, or both of these two, put up some monster marks this season. These two should be very fun to watch over the next 3 years.
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