Sophomore Jeff Duensing placed second in the state meet for throwing shot put. The meet took place June 1 and 2. Duensing was competing with thirty other kids in all levels and grades. Duensing  also has a different quality from other kids because he throws in two different categories while other competitors throw for either shot put or disc. Shot put consists of throwing a metal ball that weighs 12 pounds and the discs weight about 3.5pounds.

“Throwing is great because it is individual and you don’t need to rely on other people. The work you put in it will be your own success,” said  Duensing. His hard work and talent led him to where he is right now. The challenge for success is just working hard. During the summer, he lifts and throws every single day and that demonstrates the dedication and hard work that he has. If he keeps moving in this direction he will be in the aim of many colleges.

In the beginning, Duensing needed a little push towards his sports career and his dad and coach helped him to start throwing. “I started throwing because my dad and coach Pendleton convinced me,” said Duensing. Coach Pendleton, a renowned teacher and coach, has helped many kids achieve their goals and be successful.

Being second in state is a great accomplishment and being only a sophomore is even greater. California only has one division that has 4500 high schools and 40,000 throws and Duensing placed second. He has a great future ahead of him and can make history again in the near future.