ELHS junior, Tom Matlock, set the school record for the shot put at a whopping 63’0.25”.
That’s as long as two fully grown whale sharks. Who held the previous record you may ask? Well, he did. He has broken the school record multiple times this season.
Matlock’s journey towards the school record started nearly a decade ago.
“My dad did track at the time. That’s how I got into it,” Matlock said. He then began training with the ELHS track coach, Carl Reichard.
Matlock explains that he has gotten his training down to a science. It consists of throwing the shot put at varying weights while simultaneously lifting at the gym. The ratio varies throughout the season, depending on when championships are happening.
“His ability to train for longer durations has improved, and his ability to manage his frustration has improved as well,” coach Reichard said. He hopes Matlock will pursue his passions and find a future that suits him.
With intent to focus on throwing, Matlock is planning to pause his football career to pursue more training in the coming year.
Matlock is also planning to go to Nationals in March. He is currently seeded in the top 10 in the country which is sure to impress colleges across the nation. He is currently talking to universities such as Nebraska and USC, which are known for their talented and influential coaches.
However, most colleges don’t give offers to juniors this early.
The mental pressure of dealing with colleges early and beating his own records can be difficult.
“You just have to stay calm, cool, and collected,” Matlock said. “You can’t get in your own head. Just breathe and go.”
Balancing the life of being a student athlete also has its own fair share of challenges. Setting a time to work and improving time management skills helps to relieve some anxiety, according to Matlock.
Like many elite athletes, Matlock has some superstitions and routines to help prepare before a meet.
“I always get the same order from Dunkin’ every morning, as well as the same flavored Propel, the same Smartwater, and the same energy drink,” Matlock said.
While some people are superstitious, and others may not be, sports vary greatly as well. They can be difficult with diverse levels of competition and intensity, but throwing shot put is Matlock’s favorite.
“I like the energy and the comradery of the sport. Your friends with all of your peers and competitors,” Matlock said. “You don’t put anyone else down like you might in other sports.”
Coach Reichard has seen Matlock improve greatly since the beginning of his training, both mentally and physically.
“Of course I look up to Olympic throwers and all that, but I look up to Reichard the most,” Matlock said. “He has gotten me so far through these seasons.”
Matlock’s biggest pieces of advice: “consistency is key, if you start something, finish it” and “life isn’t just a race, it’s a marathon.” Perhaps consider these key statements if you are planning to hold any ELHS records soon.
