Montague senior Isaac French went out on top Saturday at the
Division 3 state finals in Kent City, delivering a shot put throw of
54-1 to secure a state championship in the event.
French's
winning mark was his second-best career attempt, bested only by the
school record-breaking mark he had at the regional meet two weeks prior.
He edged Central Montcalm's McCoy Wernholm by 6.5 inches for the win.
"Isaac has worked so hard his entire high school career," Montague coach Phil Koops said. "The kid has
lifted weights tirelessly since middle school, attended throwing camps
at Grand Valley State, and worked for years with Montague throws coach
and alumni Joseph Marsh. He started the year throwing 46-10 at the
GVSU indoor meet and finished as a state champion."
Koops said
French worked hard on his explosiveness throughout the year, coming
into the weight room Sunday nights and honing his form even during the
wrestling season. That hard work enabled French to outdo shot putters
that are far bigger than he is.
"He is so impressive to watch when he
outcompetes larger athletes," Koops said of French. "Most shot putters are 225-plus pounds, and Isaac is
about 180. His rare combination of explosive athleticism and skill
level are fun to watch."
Annelyse Schneider was the only other
Wildcat competing Saturday, and she posted a 12th-place finish in high
jump with a mark of 4-11. She missed a top-10 finish by a tiebreaker;
when multiple jumpers top out at the same height, final standings are
determined by how many of their three attempts were used to clear it.
"Annelyse wishes she had a
better day on Saturday, but we get her back again next year as she is
only a junior," Koops said. "If she works at it between now and then, she could qualify
for the state finals in multiple events. She is that talented."
