Showing his pride as the state’s leading shot put thrower, not only did Harold Young grab first place back following last week’s defeat by Moorpark’s Slowik Robert in the shot put, but he smashed his own college records in both the shot put and discus throw at the state championships Saturday.
Young was victorious in the shot put, hurling a 58-7 3/4. In the discus, he threw 190-3 and placed second behind Robert’s mark of 196. Young was voted South Coast Conference Athlete of the Year in the field events.
“It is a big honor, considering the competition,” coach Dean Lofgren said.
The team, with two qualifiers scored 24 points at the meet, pushing the team up to 10th place behind San Francisco City, which finished in first with 66 points. Long Beach finished second with a 63.5, Bakersfield with 45 points, had enough for third.
“We were represented by only two athletes at the state meet, but they both stepped up and performed very well,” Lofgren said.
At the meet, there was a good battle in the discus throw. Young had a great throw in his first attempt, putting pressure on Robert.
“I was calm at the meet,” Young said.
His throw went even farther in his third attempt, setting a college record.
“We could see the pressure affecting Robert,” Lofgren said. “However, he was a good enough athlete and competitor to bounce back with a good throw of his own and won the discus.”
In the shot put, Young’s first throw of 57-6 was strong enough to hold first place. And with the lead secure, Young went after the Olympic trial’s qualifying mark of 60 feet. Although Young’s 58-7 3/4 mark was not enough to qualify him, he overwhelmed Robert.
“That was my best performance so far,” Young said. “I feel good about my throws because I got a record in both events.”
In the high jump, Amir Fisher cleared 6-8 and placed third.
“I was in good shape at the meet,” Fisher said. “I’m happy with my performance.”
Mathew Carter of Santa Ana jumped 6-10 and won the event.
“I hope to win next year,” Fisher said.
Despite recruitment from big name universities such as UCLA, USC, Arizona and Oregon State University, Young has decided against transferring with only three semesters behind him.
“I will come back to compete in the open division next year,” Young said.
Darryl Guerin and Andre Rochelle are being recruited by universities such as CSU Los Angeles, CSU Chico State and CSU Stanislaus, but they are undecided on their plans and will likely stay here in the fall semester.
Andrew Gambino has been accepted to Stanislaus and will likely transfer there for the fall semester.
The Warriors have performed well this season, considering that they’re competing in the strongest conference in the state and most of their athletes are freshman.
“Our men’s group came a long way as a team throughout the season considering all but five were freshman,” Lofgren said. “You learn a lot in your first year and they will all come back strong next year.”
