Throwers Anonymous Scottish Highland Games

Saturday, July 24 in Barberton, Ohio at Newton Park was the setting for the Throwers Anonymous Scottish Highland Games. At 8am and temperature was already 75 degrees on its way to a high of 94. Throwing began at 9:30am with the Heavy Hammer.

Throwing today were:

Open Throwers
Justin Kaye
James Wakely
Brian Lovette
Robert Burns
Brent Barbe
Mark Floro
Jay Hofner
Kenneth Gresham
Andrew Durniat

Masters Throwers
John Shingler
Richard McClain
Mark Ludwin

I had not thrown the hammers in competition before, so I was eager to begin. The heavy hammer is 22 lbs. and ~50 inches long, thrown from a standing position. My first throw was distance of 73′ 1″ which was enough for first place in this event. Next up was the light hammer, which is 16 lbs. I began with 90′ 9″. I was able to improve to 93′ 3″ on my third throw, for my second first place finish of the day.



Our third event for the day is one of my favorites, Weight For Height. Throwing the 56 lbs. weight for height is usually a strong event for me and I opened at 12′ without a problem. I missed my first attempt at 13′ 6″ due to not arcing the weight back over the bar, I corrected this just enough on my second. I had the same problem again at 14′ 6″, and again needed a second attempt to clear. Luckily this height was too much for my closest competition. I made two attempts at 15′ 6″ but again my arc was non-existent as a failed to complete the task.



Tossing the caber was up next and is another strong point for me. Three throws and three 12:00 turns for another first place finish.



The fifth event was the 22.2 lbs. Braemar standing stone put. I opened again with what was my best throw at 29′ 7″. My lack of track & field throwing experience is evident, but I’m learning. I stay consistent with throws of 29′ 1″ and 29′ 4″ to follow and a second place overall.



The 16.9 lbs open stone allows for an approach and I started with glide for my first two throws of 34′ 1″ and 34′ 2″. With nothing to loose on my third I went to the South African spin which gave me 36′ 9″ and something I will continue to work with.

The final two events for the day were the 56 lbs. and 28 lbs. weights for distance. With the 56 lbs. weight up first, I spun to top throw of 27′ 5″. Fatigue was setting into us all and we were happy to get to the 28 lbs. weight which was still challenging our balance at this point. I nearly spun myself out of the box on my first throw which went 49′ 6″. My next two weren’t much better at 43′ 9″ and 49′ 5″.

It was a hot day, but a great day with friends throwing heavy things.