By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SWEET HOME, Ore.–  Roughly eight weeks ago during the tail-end of wrestling season, Dayton’s Ethan Hedgecock’s season came to a tragic end when he broke the radius in his left arm that required him to have a plate inserted into the arm.  And yet, the gruesome scar hidden by tape and protective measures, Hedgecock was at the Meet of Champions Saturday at Sweet Home High School competing in the shot put.  Picking up a season record throw of 39-feet-9.5-inches.

“It’s a great feeling.  I didn’t perform as well as I would hope, I got a PR but it’s amazing.  It’s sunny out and I’m really glad that I get back into it so soon,” said Hedgecock. “(PR-ing) is a great feeling, it’s not as far as I want it to be, but it’s still farther than last time.” Hedgecock said of the Season Record.

Though he didn’t qualify for the finals in Saturday’s event, finishing ninth on the day, he hung out with some of the throwers who made it to the finals by the pit.  Sitting next to him was sophomore teammate and sister Rylie Hedgecock.  Taking it all in as the senior-sophomore duo are halfway through their final prep season together on the track team.

“It’s really great, she’s doing a lot…state wise a lot better than me,” laughs Hedgecock.  “It’s good to have her be there.  She’s learning stuff from me and I’m learning stuff from here, it’s a really fun experience to have that.”

The younger Hedgecock finished fifth at the shot put with a throw of 32-feet-1-inch.  Kyedae Anderson won the 800-meter race with a 1:59.74 time.  Taylor Wilson was 16th in the 100-meter hurdles and Konstance Albright was11th in the discus.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald