As promised, I'm going to begin my 10 article recap, which is currently being published on Milestat.com. Admittedly, they are up to article #7, but should be complete by the end of the week. I didn't want to overlap, and obviously can't post on here before they do. But, I am aiming to get the set online here, simply to provide another outlet and another link for someone's Internet search.
Here's the first. Benedict Draghi, a talented young thrower from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA.
For additional picture and video interview with Benedict Draghi, click here:
http://va.milesplit.com/articles/176720-draghi-wins-first-gold-at-5a6a-states-captures-boys-shot-put
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W-L's Benedict Draghi earned his first state title two weekends ago, in the 6A boys' shot put. |
Here's the first. Benedict Draghi, a talented young thrower from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA.
For additional picture and video interview with Benedict Draghi, click here:
http://va.milesplit.com/articles/176720-draghi-wins-first-gold-at-5a6a-states-captures-boys-shot-put
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Benedict Draghi of Washington-Lee was the first winner at
this weekend’s 5A/6A state track meet. However, his victory didn’t come as
easily as expected.
Draghi entered Friday’s 6A boys shot put event with a best
throw of 61-4.75, over eight feet ahead of his nearest competitor, Grassfield’s
Seth Harrell, who won the title last year. But, after a meet record throw of
54-10.25 on his first attempt, Draghi’s form, which allowed for a 62-foot toss
in Friday morning’s warm-ups, seemed to disappear.
Although Draghi didn’t get the big throw he was looking for,
his performance wasn’t hindered by a sudden case of anxiety. For the thrower,
nerves are part of the game.
“I get nervous during every meet,” said Draghi, who watched
as first Harrell (54-4.25), and then Donald Lanier (54-4.25) of Western Branch
both crept into a tie for second place (Note – Harrell took the silver based on
a better second-best throw). However, Lanier’s toss came on his sixth and final
throw, while both Draghi and Harrell scratched on all three throws in the
finals, leaving the General junior as the last man standing.
Still, Draghi left Boo Williams Sportsplex with a meet
record and a first state championship – quite a feat considering where the
thrower was last December.
“Two months ago, my best throw was about 50 (feet),” said
Draghi, who will continue his quest for a personal best (“hoping for 62 or 63”)
at the New Balance Nationals, which will be held inside New York City’s Armory
Track Center beginning March 11th.
“My plans are just to keep practicing,” adds Draghi, who has
now dedicated himself solely to throwing after stopping football after his
freshman year.
One element may have been missing from his putting repertoire
on Friday morning. After his fourth attempt, throwing coach Josh Patulski was
quick to note, “Why isn’t he yelling?” Indeed, Draghi was mostly silent during
his series of throws. Asked if the concern was shared between rounds, the
answer was negative.
“(Patulski) lets me do my thing. The way he figures, there’s
nothing that can be changed during a competition. We’ll work on it afterwards.
He does give me some easy tips on the side between throws.”
While Draghi is preparing to throw in college, his next
destination is not set – at all.
“I’ve received a few letters from colleges so far. But right
now, I really have no idea where I want to go.”
Since Draghi has just over three seasons of high school
competition to go, college coaches still have time to get their recruiting
scripts ready. Meanwhile, the thrower’s preparation will continue - with
Patulski at Washington-Lee, and outside of Arlington, at camps, such as one of
the five throwing academies run by John Godina, a three-time World Champion and
two-time Olympic medalist who Draghi models his throwing style after.
Teammate Tony Auguste, a junior, placed fifth (49-6.25) to
give the Generals 15 points, enough to put them in third place after Day 1.
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