Nick Lane at the Bowling Green Sid Sid Meet on 1/24. Lane threw 69-3.
Bowling Green High School's Nick Lane might have a career ahead of him as a hurricane hunter or meteorologist, judging from his event choices in track and field.
Once again in the "eye of the storm," the Bowling Green thrower catapulted up the national rankings Sunday, striking like lightning at Youngstown State with a huge PR in the weight throw.
"It's always been there," he said of adding 3 feet to his lifetime best and breaking through the 70-foot mark. "It's just a matter of getting everything that I need to do technically down.
"I transitioned to a toe and 3 (heels) which is different than last season and even the first few meets (of this year). It was just a long time coming."
Only a sophomore, Lane already has compiled a lengthy list of meet experience in the rotational spectacles of the hammer and weight throws. His PR did not last into the second round at YSU despite some difficulties staying in the ring.
Lane's opening-round effort of 69 feet, 7 inches was his second lifetime best in a season filled with scoring marks over 69-0. A pair of scratches followed and had Lane ready to get back in the throwing cage for more.
"You're just the eye of the storm," he said of his favorite events. "It's a feeling unlike any other. It's an experience all itself, and I am really glad I get to do it."
Everything came together in round 4 as Lane whirled and let go of a 72-3 effort, which is worthy of T-US#4. The distance matched the facility record, state No. 1 and national ranking by Lakewood St. Edward's John Zedella.
Lane at the Youngstown meet last Sunday. His throw of 72-3 tied him with St. Ed's John Zedella for the OH #1 mark and moved him to a share the US #4/5 spots with Zedella.
Lane closed the afternoon with a 70-3 mark and a foul. Logan Kusky of Austintown Fitch also hit a season best at US#8 70-5 and will battle Lane and Zedella in the weight throw Saturday evening at the SPIRE Scholastic Showcase.
"I kind of struggled with the first few throws, wasn't really happy with them," Lane said. "I just told myself to slow down, stay low and stick to your training.
"I still didn't think (the 72-3) was very good. I kind of J'ed in the ring a little bit. It went down the left sector line, but I'm still happy with it."