Andres Arroyo made his throwing debut at Lake Brantley with a 41-foot discus. Is the shot put next for the distance star?
Say What?
Just when you thought you'd seen it all... a nationally-ranked distance runner trying a new event: the discus??? What is he crazy?
Well if you know Andres, the answer is probably "maybe a little". But no. There is method this quite hillarious venture into a new event (be sure to watch the video below) beyond just pure entertainment value.
Andres finds himself in pretty elite company this year among high school distance runners, already having placed himself among the all-time greats in Florida with a solo 4:10 effort last week. And despite an impressive depth of distance talent here in Florida, Arroyo is hard-pressed to find himself pushed in most races this season. He has been competing for Puerto Rico on the world stage this winter in cross country, and more recently flying to major indoor meets to face off against the nation's best such as at Brooks PR and this weekend at New Balance Nationals in New York.
The only problem? The FHSAA has pretty strict requirements about competing in a minimum number of "interscholastic meets" to qualify for the post season. Meets that would not count towards that number? Indoor races and those against clubs and unattached runners like those big national meets. So to preserve his post-season hopes, without needlessly killing his legs with extra races, they apparently decided to have him make an appearance in this quite non-standard event for the middle distance star. The fact that it was his first time working on the throws--even in practice--is probably a point that doesn't even need to be said if you watch the video.
Arroyo told flrunners.com reported Todd Grasley that he figured going in it wasn't that different from throwing a frisbee. We're just glad he at least got a few pointers beforehand from the Colonial throws coach and didn't end up dislocating his elbow. The result of his maiden voyage as a thrower? A personal best! The senior was well out of scoring any points though, landing a successful mark with a 41-10.5 that was good enough for last place at the Lake Brantley Classic.
Distance fans should get a chance to see him in state at his REAL events at Florida Relays and FSU Relays next month.
Good luck, Andres! I think the pole vault should be next on your bucket list!
The Video
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