Photo Credit: Cameron Turner

NORWICH – Three Purple Tornado throwers remain in preparation mode for the upcoming New York State Indoor Track Tournament, which will take place at Cornell University, in Ithaca, next weekend, March 5.
On the men’s side, both Thomas Reilly and David Bernstein have qualified for the shot put and weight throw competitions, while on the women’s side, Katelyn Shaver once again qualified for the shot put contest.
According to Norwich head throwing coach Thomas Stoddard, all three have a great chance of placing in the top echelon, but it will be a hard task. “It’s a true State Championship, no division I or II. It’s the best in the State competing against each other,” he said. “It would be quite an accomplishment to place in the top 10.”
Bernsteins’s personal best in the weight throw is an impressive 65 feet, four inches. That is both a Tornado school record, as well as a Section IV record. However, he is going into the Tournament with a level head. “I just started the weight throw this year, and I just kind of naturally was able to pick it up and went from there,” he said. “I’m looking for PR’s (personal record) in both events, but weight throw is my best chance. A couple of guys are right around throwing what I am throwing. That’s why a PR would be good, and it could possibly win the states.”
Reilly holds a Tornado record, with a thumping heave of best 51 feet, six inches, in the shot put competition. He, too, is hoping to throw his best when it matters the most. “I am looking to throw 54 feet. I have been hitting that in practice. Making finals would be a good goal first, but I’m mainly looking for PR’s. If I threw 54 feet for shot put and 50 feet for weight throw, I’d be happy. The weight room and competition got me these PR’s and helped me continue to perform well.”
Shaver also holds a Norwich record in shot put, with a toss of 38 feet, 5 ½ inches. She injured her ankle recently, but remains determined to perform to the best of her abilities. “I am going to show up, I'll throw in a wheel chair if I have to,” she said. “I was going to glide, but I think I am going to punch into finals then when I get into finals I am going to try and glide. I am so excited for Nationals, and I think my ankle will be better by then and I hope that is where I will hit my PR.”
This is the trio’s last shot at the big stage for Indoor Track, as all are seniors. Bernstein and Shaver are attending the tournament for the second consecutive year, while Reilly is a newcomer. Their imposing records make all three formidable opponents.
All three look to be simply moving outdoors’s to continue their throwing for Outdoor Track and Field when the season gets under way.