Sprinter from Richards competes in shot put

Hannah Taylor welcomes a challenge.
The Richards resident is competing in the shot put for the LeTourneau University women's track and field team after being a sprinter as a freshman last year.
"I'm stronger, and I'm more built as a thrower," she said. "It made more sense to be a thrower."
Though she practiced the shot put a bit last year, she only recently has dedicated the time to master the technique of throwing the 8.8-pound ball.  
"How awkward it is," said Taylor, who competed in the 60, 100 and 200-meter dashes last year. "The ball is super heavy. It's really an interesting way to throw a ball."
During a practice, she said, she throws five to six times. But she also works on technique by simulating the motion without holding the metal ball and throws other times using a lighter ball. 
"I'm starting to get more comfortable, how to stand right and get more power," she said. 
In a Jan. 21 meet, Taylor was LeTourneau's only entry in the shot put. She fouled twice and then got off a toss of 23 feet, 8 inches to place last in the field, which had upperclassmen finish in five of the top six spots. 
"It gave me motivation to take it more seriously," she said.

More women's indoor track and field
Navasota High graduate Malaiya Jedkins finished third for University of Texas Arlington in the triple jump at a Jan. 21 meet. She placed fifth in the long jump. 

Men's indoor track and field
Former Rattler Ronnie Jackson finished seventh in the 60 hurdles at the Vanderbilt Invitational. He competes for University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com.