(Jacob Slate won the Hammer Throw at Great Southwest with a meet record mark.-photo by Alan Versaw)
Name: Jacob Slate
School: Chandler High School
Over the course of his high school career Jacob Slate flourished as a weight and hammer thrower. This year he won the Weight Throw at the Great Southwest Indoor Classic in February. Though he only won one throws contest during the regular season, Jacob Slate continued to train through knowing that he would have his turn to shine in the Hammer Throw. Jacob won the Hammer Throw with a Meet Record and US #2 (now US #3) mark of 231-01. Jacob has signed with Concordia University in Portland and will throw for the Cavaliers
What was your most memorable throw?
My most memorable throw was my throw at the Great Southwest. I had two throws in my series over 70m. This was my most memorable throw because although it was a great distance It made me realize that there is plenty of room for improvement, and I have a lot left in the tank.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
There aren't many Hammer throwers in Arizona so I had to learn how to compete against myself. But when I traveled to USATF meets and The Great Southwest, Joshua Hernandez was my biggest competition.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My
greatest accomplishment was joining the 70/70 club, throwing over 70 feet in
the weight and over 70 meters in the hammer this year.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your throwing career in high school?
If I could do it over again I definitely would have picked up the hammer and weight sooner. I have only been throwing the hammer for a little over three years and the weight for a few months.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
One of the more difficult obstacles I had to overcome was losing my coach my junior year. I was still new to Hammer and coaching myself was difficult. Although it made my senior year hard it made me a better thrower and I can now pick my own throws apart and determine what I need to do to fix it.
What will you miss the most about throwing for Chandler High School?
My teammates will be missed the most, we have a bond like no other. However, I am looking forward to continuing my athletic career where throwers are appreciated.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Never let anyone tell you that you aren't enough. I am a 5'9" 190-pound thrower. Several coaches had told me I was too small to recruit for throwing. A year later I'm throwing 30ft further in hammer, breaking meet records, ranked nationally and have a new event under my belt. I would tell them stay on your grind and your efforts will be rewarded.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I already had a passion for track before I began to train with Coach Colin Post, however he helped me realize my full potential in the sport. I trained with Post for 2 years before he moved on to coach at Colorado State University. It was during this time that truly began to pursue throwing at the colligate level. I definitely would not be the thrower I am today without the help of Colin Post.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Concordia University-Portland in the fall, where I will be coached by Jared Rome and Todd Taylor. I look forward to training hard in order to become an All-American and a National Champion.
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Who do you have to thank for your success?
My family. Whether down the street or out-of-state, my family are my biggest supporters and fans.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Arizona
has started to bring back Javelin in high school meets. My hope is that in the
next few years we see hammer reinstated in high school Track and Field.
