When track and field comes to mind, people tend to focus on the track — images of Usain Bolt effortlessly sprinting to world records and pure, unbridled speed.
But North Carolina coach Harlis Meaders said his throwers impressed him most at Saturday’s Gene Anderson Invitational.
“This weekend the throws really highlighted everything that was happening here in Chapel Hill,” Meaders said. “I think the throws are going to be a very important part of our team.”
Meaders was specifically referencing the shot put competition, in which freshman Sarah Howard won the women’s side, and senior Chris DiLorenzo and sophomore AJ Hicks took first and second, respectively, for the men.
DiLorenzo, who is built like an NFL lineman, is coming off knee surgery. He was very upbeat as he discussed his performance.
“I had a good day today. I was really consistent and then was able to hit a big one on my fifth throw,” DiLorenzo said. “That’s been by far my best throw since I got hurt, so I’m really happy with it.”
On this fifth try, he spun once before sending the 16-pound steel shot put ball on a 17.39-meter flight.
He roared “Let’s go” as the ball was in the air, as if to coerce it into going further.
After DiLorenzo’s throw, Hicks was the first person to greet him with a high five, and as Hicks stepped into the circle, DiLorenzo immediately became his teammate’s cheerleader and coach.
