The postseason pursuit of a 65-foot shot put throw and 200-foot discuss launch is on for Prairie senior and University of Washington commit Will Foster.
Foster, the reigning 3A shot put state champ, had a lot more in the tank, winning district titles in the shot put and discus field events at the 4A/3A boys track and field district meet on Thursday, May 15, at Evergreen High School.
Foster didn’t even hit personal or season bests to advance with ease.
Foster had a 60-foot, 11-inch shot put throw, over 16 feet beyond second place, in just two of six throw opportunities. In discus, he won by over 50 feet with a throw of 187 feet, 2 inches.
“You know, the goal of this year has always been like 65 feet and beyond, which is close to 20 meters,” Foster said. “And, you know, today was all about qualifying. Going for a big (personal record), obviously past my last four attempts, so definitely a lot more in the tank.”
To get to this point of his high school track and field career, the journey has been a testament of hard work and dedication. Foster said in the offseason he lifts four to five times a week and works on his throwing techniques through a number of different drills.
“It’s not just throwing as hard as you can,” he said. “It’s usually throwing at 70%, trying to be as technical as possible. So it’s a lot of drills and lifting.”
Foster’s throwing coach at Prairie High School, John Lawson, has been at the helm for Foster’s success since his freshman year. Lawson knows the steps needed to get to the college track and field level. He also packs a family history of track and field athletes from his grandpa, aunt, mom and cousin.
“When Will was really starting to get into track and field as a freshman, we were trying to set up a four-year plan and where we are, I mean, we hit what we planned,”
Lawson said, adding a back issue with Foster this season has been addressed and proper precautions and treatment has been helping. “But all the steps, it’s been pretty good. We’ve been working really hard in the gym and it’s obviously all paying off.”
Lawson said Foster’s goals of hitting the 65-foot shot put throw and 200-foot discus mark are big goals and a culmination of Foster’s career with that end goal just two weeks out at the end of the month.
“We just have to stay diligent until the end, and then we can really celebrate and relax,” Lawson said.
For Foster, reaching the next level has been his biggest motivation this year. He said he wants to be competitive in college immediately. That starts with the amount of work he puts in this senior season.
Foster had to commit twice to the University of Washington. After they pulled their initial offer, Foster has been on a mission, which led to the Huskies’ sending him their second offer for a track and field scholarship.
“It’s just super cool to see the hard work pay off, you know,” Foster said. “Because obviously the first time it didn’t work out. I was super bummed, kind of down, didn’t know what I was going to do next for five months. Then it worked out and took a huge weight off of my shoulders, and it allows me to push those marks and remain calm during the season.”
Foster qualified for the West Central Districts happening Wednesday, May 21, through Friday, May 23, at Kent Meridian High School with the state championships taking place at Mount Tahoma High School from Thursday, May 29, through Saturday, May 31.
