COLUMBUS — There may be a seated thrower as good as Abby LaPole who qualifies for the OHSAA Track and Field Championships one day.
Right now, there’s no question. The Jackson senior is in a class by herself.
LaPole won her third straight girls seated shot put state title on June 5. Her top throw of 21 feet, 7.5 inches came on her final attempt.
Think about this. LaPole was the only competitor who had a qualifying throw of 20 feet. No one else was within seven feet of her.
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Overconfidence isn’t a part of LaPole’s vocabulary, though.
“Something could happen at any time that can mess you up,” LaPole said. “That keeps me grounded.”
LaPole won her third state title by almost eight feet. Elgin’s Julia Kuba came in second at 13-10. Perry’s Ahsha DiPietro was third at 13-2.75.
One throw is usually enough to get the job done for LaPole. Her first throw sailed 21-4.75.
“It felt good,” LaPole said. “I’m like ‘OK, this is a good start.’ I was just hoping to build off of it.”
She did. Two of LaPole’s next six throws topped her first. Her top throw came on her final attempt. It broke a state meet record.
“That was my goal coming in,” LaPole said.
LaPole leaves high school with three state titles and an all-time Stark County record that may stand for a long time. Her top throw of 23-5.75 occurred this season.
LaPole’s next stop will be at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she will play on the women’s wheelchair basketball team and compete in track and field. She leaves Jackson with a lot of memories.
“It has been such an honor,” LaPole said. “My coach is amazing. These girls are amazing and are a blessing. Jackson has done so much for me, and I am so, so thankful.”
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Jackson thrower Abby LaPole finishes career with third state title
Reporting by Mike Popovich, Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Mike Popovich, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
