The Stateliner senior took fifth in the Group 4 meet with a 2016 area-best throw.
Al Crespo wanted to make sure he gave credit to all who made his NJSIAA Group 4 shot put medal possible before he took any himself.
The Phillipsburg senior had just thrown a personal-best 54 feet, 6¾ inches Friday afternoon at the group meet at Egg Harbor Township High School, good for fifth place, a trip to Wednesday’s Meet of Champions and that state medal.
So Crespo made sure he thanked Stateliner throwing coach Jack Buckley, head coach Brett Hyland and Made Strength and Conditioning.
“They all really helped me a lot,” he said.
And, oh, yes, one other thank-you.
“My mother,” he said, beaming. “Maria Crespo.”
Certainly there was plenty for all of those folks to be proud of. In addition to all the above accomplishments, Crespo’s 54-6¾ is also the best throw in the lehighvalleylive region this season. And since Crespo is the last athlete throwing the shot put this season, it will stay that way unless he does better Wednesday at Central Regional in Bayville.
“I want to throw 55 feet,” Crespo said. “That’s been my goal all along.”
Crespo came pretty close to 55 feet Friday, hitting 54-6¾ on his second throw of the finals to eclipse his previous best of 53-9 thrown in April at Middletown North.
“I was pretty nervous before this meet,” Crespo said. “But I listened to my coaches and they got my stretched out and more relaxed. And then I just let it all out.”
Crespo credited upper-body work, better finishing and a strong follow-through for his breaking the 54-foot barrier.
“I think I was ready to throw today and I think I threw well all day,” Crespo said. “I am glad I was able to throw well today for myself and for my school, too.”
A lot to be thankful for Phillipsburg at the Group 4 shot put, then.
Brad Wilson may be reached at bwilson@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradwsports. Find Lehigh Valley high school sports on Facebook.