Meyer is first Illinois athlete with 70-foot shot put at Southwest Suburban Conference Invitational

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Lockport Township senior John Meyer became the first thrower in Illinois history to surpass 70 feet in the shot put Friday at the Southwest Suburban Conference Invitational at Olivet Nazarene University.

Meyer produced a mark of 70-4.25 (21.44m), the best indoor effort in the country this year, to become only the 11th prep male athlete to achieve a 70-foot performance indoors.

Meyer entered the meet with a season best of 68-6 (20.88m). He became only the second athlete in the nation this year to surpass 70 feet, indoors or outdoors, as Desert Edge AZ senior Tyson Jones achieved a mark Friday of 70-4.50 (21.45m) at the Willie Williams Classic at University of Arizona's Roy P. Drachman Stadium.

Meyer has one more indoor event Saturday at Illinois Top Times at the Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University. He is looking to become the eighth high school performer to surpass 71 feet indoors.

WATCH LIVE WEBCAST OF ILLINOIS TOP TIMES