The Des Moines Register
Blair Schilling, bschilling@gannett.com Photo cred: Michael Rolands / Record-Herald
Anna Hoyman has shelled the girls track and field record books at Indianola with a bombardment of throws during her prep career.
She will look to cap her senior season this week with her final high school barrage and a state title.
The 5-foot, 8-inch standout advanced to the state meet in Des Moines with Class 4A district medalist performances in both the discus and shot put on Thursday in Indianola. Hoyman extended her school record in the discus by more than half a foot with a throw of 151 feet, 1 inch to top her previous best mark of 144-10 set last month at Urbandale. She claimed the district shot put title with a toss of 39-8.75 to earn a third consecutive state berth in the event.
Hoyman set the Indianola girls’ shot put school record of 42-4 as a sophomore. That season, she finished fourth at state in the shot.
Last year, the Indianola throwing specialist placed as a runner-up at state in both field events.
“I think if she gets anything less than a state title in discus she’ll be disappointed,” Indianola track and field throwing coach Mitch Curtis said.
Hoyman’s 151-1 discus mark is the top throw in the state this season among all classes of girls track and field. Her district throw landed 19 inches farther than the next best mark registered this year by another 4A competitor, Josey Starner of Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson, of 132-1.
Hoyman is scheduled to compete in the state meet at Drake University in discus on Thursday and in shot put on Friday.
Indianola’s throwing coach credited the state qualifier’s training and practice throughout the year in her athletic progression.
“I think her biggest asset has probably been the work she’s done in the weight room the last four years. That’s really helped turn her into what she’s become as a thrower and as an athlete,” Curtis said. “She’s kind of gone from someone who was just a strong athlete to she’s really transitioned into becoming a very good discus thrower and shot putter.”
The Indianola senior noted the guidance of her throwing coach in the development of her techniques.
“I really didn’t know anything about throwing other than — just get as much distance between you and the implement as you can, in eighth grade. So, I came into high school and he would always stay late after practice shagging for me and always would have something to say for me to get better,” Hoyman said.
Indianola girls track and field head coach Kim Arndt said her top thrower’s determination to improve and leadership skills made her a valuable contributor to the team.
“Anna is a good leader on and off the track. She works hard in the weight room. She puts the time in,” Arndt said. “Everything that she’s gotten is through her determination and her hard work to be the best she can be.”
