SPORTS | 2010-06-08
While Garaway discus thrower Grant Engstrom didn't get to finish his career on the podium, receiving a medal at the 103rd State Track and Field Championships held June 4-5, at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus, the senior capped off a record-setting career with a fine showing at State and leaves with no regrets.Engstrom finished 12th, with a throw of 148-11. He had the misfortune of following Isaiah Kent in the preliminaries, and the defending State runner-up launched a state meet record throw of 190 feet.
Kent eventually set a new record in the finals with a winning throw of 193-3.
Engstrom may have tried a little too hard on his first throw following Kent and wound up throwing it out of bounds. His second throw went 148-11, and his third and final throw was also OB.
"It was really exciting coming in, my first time making it to State," he said. "It was a goal of mine since my freshman year, and I accomplished it. I accomplished all the goals I set this year, and I'm proud of doing that.
"I wish I could've done better today; I had two fouls on throws that were pretty good. I tied my hardest to compete at the top level. I felt I performed as best I could."
Reflecting on his season, Engstrom is satisfied.
"I set the goal to set the record and I did that. I wanted to get to Regionals, and did that. Then I wanted to make it to State and I did all of them. I'm very happy. I had a great year," he said. "It's pretty cool to leave Garaway as the record holder. I'm just a skinny, tall kid, lanky, but it worked for me. It's an honor to have that record, to be known as the best at something."
Engstrom broke the long-standing Garaway record earlier this year at the West Holmes Invitational.
Garaway coach Zach Mottice said it has been a great pleasure coaching Engstrom.
"He had a great career. He's been a great leader for the guys and the girls, no question about it," Mottice said. "Your goal is to compete as long as you can, and finish your senior season with your six best throws. He got beat by some good people. A lot of guys PR'd (personal record) down here today. They had some great days. But that's what it's all about. You want to come down here and do your best at this high level."