Benjamin Bonhurst extends his US #1 mark in shot

As much as anyone could feel at home in a metal cage with artificial turf, Benjamin Bonhurst might be that someone. And his “home” away from home is the throwing area at The Armory.

With his mother by his side, the senior from nearby Smithtown, N.Y., put a mark out there in the opening round for the field of 47 to top. It never was bettered as Bonhurst lived up to his role as national leader with a title winning heave of 64 feet, 7.75 inches.

“I like (hitting my best) on my first throw or my last throw because I get the clapping on my last throw, and my first throw, I get adrenaline in me,” the winner said. “In between that, I don’t really throw at the full potential that I could.

“I was hoping that nobody could beat me, honestly. I knew I had over 65 in me, and I fouled it by a little on my last throw. I’m just happy that I won at the end, honestly.”

Following up on what eventually was the day’s winning throw, Bonhurst uncorked a heave of 63-5 that also would have been a winner. The spinner added another over the 60-foot line (62-0) to close out his preliminary tosses before he fouled all three tries in the final.

“It’s awesome being national champ,” said Bonhurst, who hit a US#1 65-0 last month. “I knew I could PR, but that doesn’t matter. I’m pumped. I’m national champ.

“This place is like my home. Every single time I’ve done my best here, every single time.”

Before he walked away from his “home,” Bonhurst posed for a photo in the circle with his mom, Haidee.

“She is my coach,” Bonhurst said of his mother. “It’s up and down. We get in fights a little, but I love her to death.”

Each of the finalists topped 60 feet, with Devon Patterson of Williamsville, N.Y., claiming second at 63-3.5. AmirAli Patterson of Encino, Calif., won bronze with a put of 62-11.25 as the top three each hit their best in the prelims. The top five finishers were seniors, while places 6-8 still have a year remaining.  

 

 

Championship Boys Shot Put (View Official Results)