TC’s Joyer breaks shot put record—again—moves to top spot in Florida

Posted Mar 30, 2010 by Bill Ward

Updated Apr 1, 2010 at 12:21 PM

Just five days after breaking Tampa Catholic’s 29-year-old record for the shot put, Crusaders junior Hunter Joyer has eclipsed it again. And this time, his performance makes him the No. 1 thrower in the state.

Joyer, who last week bettered the mark held by TC football coach Bob Henriquez by 1.5 inches with a toss of 55 feet, 1 inch, improved the record by more than a foot in Tuesday’s dual meet with Tampa Prep with a state-leading throw of 56-7.

Oddly enough, Joyer said his record toss didn’t feel much like one.

“Since there weren’t a lot of teams here, it felt more like practice,” Joyer said. “And it really didn’t feel right coming out of my hand. I’m kind of surprised I threw that far.”

One impressive aspect of Joyer’s recent results is that he throws off a simple “glide” move through the shot put circle, not the more difficult – but usually more effective – spin technique. If he can learn that, many believe Joyer, a fullback with offers from Stanford and Louisville, will soon be throwing beyond the 60-foot barrier.

For now, Joyer’s marks are still good enough to move him to the No. 1 spot in the state for the shot put. Previously second behind Demetri Baker (56-4.75) of Orange Park High, Joyer now owns the top spot for all classifications in the state.

Photo: Tampa Catholic junior Hunter Joyer lets fly his record shot put throw in Tuesday’s dual meet with Tampa Prep. Photo by Bill Ward.