The power of performance is a big motivator for Justin Verner.
Three days after watching a first-place finish in the shot put slip through his hands to a competitor using a different technique, Verner approached Columbus High School boys track and field coach Jim Hamilton ready to learn.
“I told him I wanted to learn the spin so I could throw farther,” Verner said.
The fact that Verner, a senior, already is throwing nearly 50 feet is a good starting point. On Friday, Verner recorded a personal-best throw of 48 feet, 9 1/2 inches at the University of Mississippi Invitational. His mark appeared to be good enough to take first until Houston High’s Wade Wells used the spin technique to record a 49-5 and take the title.
According to about.com, the “spin” or “rotational” technique is the more complex method. The “glide” technique is more commonly-used and, with its linear movement through the throwing circle, is easier for beginners to learn.
Last season, Verner became proficient in the glide and nearly advanced to the Class 6A state meet. He took third at the District 2 (44-2) and at the Region 1 meet (44-3) before finishing seventh at the North State meet (43-6).
Verner said he tried last year to do the spin for about a half of one practice and decided against using it after having a bad experience.
“I didn’t think I was going to use the spin,” Verner said. “I almost fell on my face trying to do it, so I left it alone.”
This season, though, Verner is focused on making the transition. He had his first practice using the new technique Tuesday and intends to use it next Tuesday when Columbus competes in a meet at Aberdeen High.
Verner said there are more elements to master in the spin to help him capitalize on his strength. As opposed to doing the glide — where you basically take two “steps” and explode — Verner said he will have to get his footwork down, maintain his balance, stay low, and then power through and up using his lower body and his hips to generate the speed and force he feels could help him eclipse the 50-foot mark.
“Eighty percent of your (shot put distance) comes from your legs and your speed (from the spin),” Hamilton said.
Last season, Brandon High senior Jordan Kersh won the Class 6A meet with a throw of 53-3 1/4.
“My first two years I did track I tried to use my upper body,” Verner said. “I never tried to use my legs until this year when coach Hamilton said I needed to stay lower and explode through my hips.
“We went to a competition and I saw everybody else doing what coach doing told me what I needed to be doing and they were throwing farther than I did, so I just started to listen to coach.”
Hamilton said Verner’s dedication in the weight room has paid dividends for him in track and field. He also credits Verner for maturing and understanding he has to use his entire body to be successful in the shot. The combination could help him earn gold medals in two sports.
“Seniors listen a little bit more than the other folks,” Hamilton said. “He has worked really hard.”
Verner will balance learning a new style of throwing with training for the Mississippi High School Activities Association State Powerlifting meet, which will be April 14. Verner took first in the 275-pound weight class with a total weight of 1,550 pounds. His total is the highest of any competitor in Class 6A.
“I feel a lot stronger,” Verner said. “I am going to try to break all of the records in the 275-pound weight class.”
Verner was a state champion at 242 as a sophomore. Last year, he won the same weight class with a total weight of 1,520 pounds.
Verner, who also played on the school’s football team, hopes his potential in track and field could help him earn an opportunity to compete in college. He said he is considering walking on to play football at East Central Community College or at Northeast Mississippi C.C. But those plans could change if he grasps the spin and sees significant jumps in his distances.
Hamilton believes that is a good possibility because Verner isn’t one to be satisfied with a performance that is good enough for others or a second-place showing.
“He needs just a little bit more technique and a little more concentration,” Hamilton said. “He has to learn the biggest thing is I have a good throw, now I have to push it in the circle and go as far as I can.”
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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