Andrew Kinsman put his rabid throwing skills on display last year during an indoor track and field meet
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On the downside, the top three throwers, which included two 61-plus footers, have graduated. There are four other top 10 performers now in college. However, on the positive side, it is an opportunity for those four performers and many more to elevate themselves into the upper realm of shot putting.
Let's take a look at some of the key returners:
Joe Atkins (Sr., Washington)- Is the top returner who threw over 54 feet in all four competitions. He took fourth at the Top Times Meet to highlight an abbreviated season. It appears it will be another holdover start due to currently playing basketball. Atkins will be a candidate for 60 feet before the indoor campaign concludes.
Graham Meister (So., Dwight)- The current state leader eclipsed his indoor personal best by over five feet in his first competition at the turn of the new year. Meister, an underclassman, won the 1A title as a freshman and may threaten the 60-foot mark before March.
Andrew Kinsman (Sr., Benton)- had his former head coach, Brenton McClain, in tears after winning the 2A title last spring. He tossed the iron ball over 59 feet on three different occasions. Moving back to the indoor scene, Kinsman will undoubtedly be more high profile, but his season debut will have to wait until possibly March because of basketball. Still, he should be able to eclipse his personal best, which is 55'11.75."
Devin Habermehl (Sr., Collinsville)- Although he is not as high-profile as some of the other returners, Habermehl is just as accomplished. He enjoyed a banner season indoors, finishing with a 56'9" PB. Later, he topped 58'11" during the outdoor season and took fourth overall. The Northern Illinois University football commit will have one more hurrah this winter. Let's see where that takes him.
Rank | Mark | Athlete/Team | Grade | Meet Date Place |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 59-7.75 | Washington | 2025 | Pontiac Boys Invite 1st F |
2 | 56-9 | Collinsville | 2025 | |
3 | 56-2 | East Moline (United) | 2025 | Illinois Top Times 3rd F |
4 | 55-11.75 | Benton | 2025 | Illinois Top Times 2nd F |
5 | 55-9.25 | Arlington Heights (Hersey) | 2025 | |
6 | 55-2.5 | Batavia | 2026 | |
7 | 53-8 | Moline (H.S.) | 2025 | |
8 | 53-5.25 | Edwardsville (H.S.) | 2025 | |
9 | 53-4.25 | Cary (C.-Grove) | 2026 | Boys Sequoit Showdown 2nd F |
10 | 53-1 | Park Ridge (Maine East) | 2025 | |
11 | 52-8 | St. Charles (North) | 2026 | |
12 | 52-3.25 | Barrington | 2026 | |
13 | 51-11.25 | Plainfield (South) | 2025 | |
14 | 51-8.75 | Pekin | 2025 | |
15 | 51-8.5 | East St. Louis (Sr.) | 2025 |