The MN boys Track and Field have been consistent throughout the years, but they have not been able to get a player to have a record breaking result or get into the top ten all-time records for state in recent years. It appears that the narrative will be different this season.
The season is shaping up to be an especially promising year for the MN discus and shot put coach, Coach Hans Keim. In the current standing for the state of Nebraska there a two MN juniors, Kevin Shubert and Drew Mertz, that have had great successes already this season.
“[Shubert and Mertz] love to throw and they want to work to get better with each throw. Their attention to details really make them special, both in and outs of the ring,” said Coach Keim.
It is their attention to detail and drive to be better every time has helped them to be in the current top five for their event. Other people can recognize the ambition both of them have and it is this ambition that presented Shubert with a special opportunity.
“I was invited to join a club track team in the summer and traveled around the United States competing in track meets, including regionals and nationals,” said Shubert.
Their success doesn’t come by chance. When given the opportunity to better their skills they go after them. They were also presented with the opportunity to work with throwing coaches from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to work on their throwing technique. In these practices, they capitalize on different ways to get more from their throws and get more comfortable throwing.
“We practice six days a week and it’s all about getting a lot of throws in so that you can build muscle memory,” said Mertz. “My first goal is definitely to win class A state, but secondary goal is to beat [the current school record holder] Ben Newsom’s record.”
Both throwers are focused on getting a medal and hoping to have what it takes to win their event at state. Last year, Mertz placed ninth in discus and Shubert placed tenth in shot put, but this year they have improved and are placing much higher in meets. If they are able to keep their momentum going into state this next week they will be in the top 5 and may even break some records.
“It has been great to watch both of these guys take first in so many of this year’s meets and still have the focus to come in every day to work to become better throwers,” Coach Keim. “I expect both Drew and Kevin push themselves through this season and see some major success in the state meet.”
Whether they win their event or not they still have placed in the top five and even won some of meets in their events this season. Next year they will get the opportunity again to develop their skills and have a larger effect on both the school and state record books.