Osborn hopes to return in time to defend state titles

Following shoulder injury during weightlifting, future uncertain for UCLA signee, who captured shot put bronze medal at World U-20 Championships in Poland

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Esperanza senior Bronson Osborn, the reigning California state champion in the shot put and discus throw, has been sidelined indefinitely from competition after recently undergoing surgery to reattach his left pectoral muscle and tendon following a Feb. 11 shoulder injury during a weightlifting session, according to Aztecs throws coach Bill Pendleton.

Osborn, a UCLA signee, set the California state record Feb. 3 with the 16-pound shot put at the Mountain T’s Invitational at Northern Arizona University with a mark of 58 feet, 5.75 inches, surpassing the 1966 standard of 57-10.25 set by Sunny Hills’ Dave Murphy. Osborn had produced a mark of 58-10 at the Cal State Northridge All-Comers exhibition meet, but USATF officials weren’t present, nor was the implement weighed before competition for certification.

Osborn set the national record July 19 with the 6-kilogram (13.2-pound) shot put with a 69-9.50 effort to capture a bronze medal at the World U-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

Osborn’s outdoor personal best with the 12-pound shot put is 71-7.25, fourth in California history. He also ranks 15th in the state with a 204-4 discus throw.

The California outdoor state meet is scheduled for June 2-3, but in order for Osborn to defend his championships, he would have to first qualify at the Crestview League finals May 4, then advance through three more weeks of competition at the Southern Section prelims, championships and Masters Meet.

If Osborn is unable to return in time for the high school postseason, he can still compete June 22-25 at the U.S. Junior Outdoor Championships in Sacramento, with the opportunity to qualify for the July 21-23 Pan American Junior Championships.