Already a subscriber? LOGIN »

By: Russell Hodges - Updated: 3 hours ago

CHARLESTON — Rochelle senior and University of Dubuque track and field recruit Zach Sanford received an early taste of what’s to come at the next level when the Hub thrower represented RTHS in the IHSA State Championship at Eastern Illinois University on Friday.

Sanford arrived in Charleston as one of 31 athletes in Class 2A competing in the shot put at the state meet. Although he didn’t reach the finals on Saturday, Sanford finished in the top half of the group during the Friday preliminary round, placing 15th with a longest throw of 14.52 meters.

“The whole experience was amazing and it felt good knowing that I earned a spot to compete with the best athletes in the state,” Sanford said. “I enjoyed hanging out and I enjoyed talking with all of the other guys and learning about their experiences as well. I felt like I had a decent performance on Friday. I definitely could have thrown better, but I felt like this experience prepared me for the college atmosphere because every thrower was competing at a high level.”

Sanford, who earned Interstate 8 All-Conference honors in the shot put as well as an Honorable Mention in the discus throw this season, intends to continue throwing for the University of Dubuque next year. A two-year varsity track and field athlete and two-time top-5 sectional finisher in the shot put at RTHS, Sanford said his goals for his first collegiate season are to adjust to the heavier equipment as well as match the marks he set during his senior year.

“I’m going to continue working on my strength and technique,” Sanford said. “What I enjoyed most about the track team was taking the younger guys under my wing and helping them improve. I felt like I was able to learn things for myself while I coached up our younger guys.”

Sanford was the first male from RTHS to compete in the shot put at the state meet since Joey Johnson in 2006. The senior said he intends to compete in the discus, shot put and hammer throw at the University of Dubuque next year. Sanford finished his high school career at RTHS with personal records of 15.47 meters in the shot put and 41.10 meters in the discus throw.

If you wish view the full all article, watch this short video or subscribe now for full access.