Shot-Putters Revel In Experience, Energy In NBNO Finals

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- A massive grunt escaped Sam Liokumovich as he released the metal shot and watched it fly more than 60 feet.

At the same time, Dylan Targgart was next to the sector doing a set of push-ups, amping himself up to throw. Other guys, with white chalk smeared on their necks, were clapping loudly for their competitors.

It's an unusual atmosphere to the outside world, but for those in the inner circle, it's home.

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"(There's) nothing quite like it," said Tanner Duffin, a senior from Atlanta, Georgia.  

Located outside of Aggie Stadium, behind the scoreboard on the campus of North Carolina A&T, a dedicated and passionate crowd of nearly 300 hemmed in around the shot put area to watch a thrilling competition of the best high school throwers in the country.

Targgart, as the junior from Coldwater, MI unleashed a throw of 69-4.25 on his last attempt to overtake Duffin and win the New Balance Nationals Outdoor title.

"It means a lot," Targgart said. "I'm at a loss for words. The atmosphere here is just incredible and I love throwing here."

All eight throwers in the final round finished with marks of at least 61 feet or farther. Indoor New Balance National champion, Aiden Felty of Maine, fouled twice and his last throw didn't advance him to the finals. He finished 14th.

"It was probably the most intense comeptiiton I've ever been in," Liokumovich said. "All of these guys are so good. I just felt the energy and I used that in my throw."

Duffin, who led going into the final throws of the afternoon on Saturday, had a final chance to re-take the lead on his final attempt. It came up a little bit short and he finished second with 69-2. Liokumovich, a senior from Deerfield IL, was third with a personal best of 65-2.25.

“Having a good competition at Nationals is always fun," Duffin said. "I give him (Targgart) props. He seems like a great guy."

One of the trademarks of the throwers is the sense of community. The throwers genuinely support one another. It's a brotherhood and a love for the shot put event is the common denominator.

"I don't know any other sport that you would cheer on your competitors, but it's great," Liokumovich said.