PHS Hosts Throwing Camp
June 02, 2009
Pierce High School was the site of its annual one-day camp for athletes hoping to improve their technique and skills in throwing shot put and discus on Monday, June 1. The all-day camp was organized by Doug Shelton and featured a Division 1 coach, John Dagata, Iowa State throwing events coach, as well as Ed McLaughlin from Concordia University, Derek Frese from Nebraska Wesleyan University, Josh Whisman from Wayne State, and other area coaches.
Over 110 student athletes between seventh and twelfth grade attended the camp along with about thirty coaches. Seventh graders were admitted free. Shelton said the camp hoped to provide access to the coaches for the young athletes and help prepare them for their sport. Among other participants were a number of Pierce High athletes as well as top athletes from across the area.
Alyssa Kamphaus of Seward was one of the participants. She won the all-class gold at the state track meet with a shot put of 46’2.5”. Also present was Ezra Schantz of Laurel-Concord, current state leader in the discus with a distance of 176’10”.
The camp benefited from almost ideal weather conditions with cloudy skies, moderate temperatures in the lower 70s, and a slight breeze.
Proceeds from the camp are used to maintain and improve the shotput and discus rings and other throwing area facilities at Pierce High. Shelton thanked Karen Meyer for organizing the food and concessions; area coaches, Pierce High School, and area businesses such as Midwest Bank, who provided scholarships for student athletes to attend the camp. He said that the toughest part of the camp is securing the services of busy coaches, but that he had already begun the process of organizing next year’s camp with a Florida State coach, and he hoped to have two Division 1 coaches then.
Pierce High athletic director Gary Timm said that the camp is a great opportunity for the athletes, and PHS is proud to assist Coach Shelton in sponsoring the camp.
