Senior Brian Williamson Breaks School Shot Put Record

Senior Brian Williamson has broken the school record for the shot put once again, with his 58’2” throw last on May 20 at Lawrence Free State High School in the regional competition. Williamson had previously broken the school record of 56”9’, which was set in 1969 at Sunflower League. Breaking his own record was just as memorable of a moment in Willamson’s mind.

“Both times it just felt like it came off my fingers really well, and I had to fight to stay in the ring,” Williamson said. “I really didn’t known that I had broken it until after they measured it. I knew that they were good, but I didn’t think they were that good.”

The coaches agree that Willamson has been a critical part to the recent revival of the field team. East has often been recognized as one of the top track teams in the district, and is constantly a threat at State. But with the recent success of Williamson, along with seniors like Kyle Engleken and Alex Rorie, the field team is becoming a much bigger part of the chase for state.

Williamson’s dedication to throwing both the discuss and shot put could not only be seen at practice this year, but also during the chilly winter off-season.

“This kid’s dedication is unbelievable,” head track and field coach Brie Meschke said. “None of us would be surprised if we was up on the hill throwing the shot in a foot of snow.”

It’s this dedication that earned Williamson the Dick Gilbert award, an award that is given to an East track and field member who is hardworking and fully embraces the concept of team during the season.

“It means a lot because it shows that anyone can get to where they want to be through determination and that kind of work ethic never goes unseen”, Williamson said. “I feel really honored that the coaches felt I deserved something like that because I don’t think of myself as being any different than any of the other guys on the team.”