Records Fall in 2016 Season

Over the next few weeks we will highlight some of the most impressive marks and statistics from the 2016 high school hammer throw season. To start with, we dive into the new records set in 2016 as well as top all-time performances.

→ Related Content: For more statistics take a look at our in-depth all-time lists and unofficial state records.

State Records

Twelve state records fell in 2016, double the number that went down last season. Eight girls set state records in California, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oregon, and South Carolina. The California record was already one of the strongest in the country and Joy McArthur‘s (Mater Dei, Santa Ana, CA) new marks makes it even more impressive.

Boy’s records fell in Kansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The farthest record was set by Joshua Hernandez (El Paso Del Valle, El Paso, TX). Also noteworth was the Pennsylvania state record set by Matt Slagus (North Pocono, Moscow, PA). He added 11 feet to the previous state record, but perhaps more impressive is how long the old record stood: it was set by Dick Wick back in 1936!

Kentucky was the only state to set both boy’s and girl’s records in 2016.

All-Time Lists

Throwers also re-wrote the all-time national lists. In just her first season of throwing the hammer Joy McArthur‘s (Mater Dei, Santa Ana, CA) ranked second on the all-time girl’s national list. With one more season of high school track ahead of her, she could challenge Shelby Ashe‘s national record. Three more girls moved into the all-time top 20.

Bobby Colantonio (Barrington, RI) entered the season already in the all-time top 10, but he improved his standing with a new personal best this year and finishes his prep career ranked fifth on the all-time boy’s national list.