Mason Finley threw 236-6 today at the High Altitude Challenge.
The High Altitude Challenge is hosted annually by Alamosa High School with facilities on the site of Adams State College. Since elevation is somewhat relevant to the lift afforded a discus in flight, it is worth nothing that the elevation at Adams State College is approximately 7550 feet. There were steady winds blowing right-to-left for discus throwers throughout the competition.
Finley's best shot put on the day measured 66-9.25. On this day, the shot put came before the discus.
Interestingly, Finley's record came during his third meet in the span of five days. On Monday, Buena Vista traveled to Gunnison for a make-up of the Gunnison Invitational. On Thursday, Buena Vista hosted their own invitational. And, on Saturday, it was off to Alamosa for the High Altitude Challenge. Complicating matters was the fact that Saturday was prom day for Buena Vista.
"He said he was a little tired before the meet. His shoulder was tired," commented Buena Vista's Coach Kyle Graff.
Graff added, however, that is was "kind of a laid-back day for us as a team. That may have taken some of the pressure off."
In any case, after the shot put, the day was wearing on and Finley wanted to get home to get ready for prom (Buena Vista is roughly two hours' drive from Alamosa). He asked to be moved up earlier in the competition. The meet officials granted the request and moved him up two flights. Finley only threw in prelims; he did not stick around for finals.
He didn't need finals. His second throw of the day was the big one. After what seemed an interminable time of measuring (with both a nylon tape, then a steel tape), the mark of 236-6 was announced.
"He didn't jump and scream. He just grabbed his head, he grabbed his dad, then he grabbed me," commented Coach Graff. "He got so emotional. He's not that kind of kid."
That kind of kid or not, there's no fault to be found in being emotional at such a moment. Records are made to be broken, but that fact alone can't brace you for the onslaught of feeling that attends such moments.
To repeat some information given in an earlier article, there are now three stops left in Mason Finley's CHSAA-sanctioned high school career. This Saturday, Buena Vista travels to the Tri-Peaks League meet at the St. Mary's track in Colorado Springs. On Saturday, May 9, Buena Vista's regional competition takes place at Pagosa Springs high school. State wraps up the tour on May 14 and 15. Catch a glimpse of Colorado track and field history while you can.