Above: Patrick Heaney '18 practices throwing in the Xavier Commons.

Sports Update: Patrick Heaney Leads the Way for Varsity Shot Put

By Billy Malewich '12

In the sport of track and field, the field athletes tend to be overlooked. Whether people believe the running events are more intriguing or any other reason, the field events are actually highly competitive and exciting. Xavier has had some great throwers in the past decade, and one junior is looking to make his mark among the all-time Xavier greats. Patrick Heaney ’18 has turned into a consistent 40-foot thrower this season. Two weeks ago at the Hayes games, he threw more than 42 feet for a new personal best. He has been throwing more than 41 feet since. The Xavier E-News was able to catch up with Heaney to talk about the success of the season.

Xavier E-News: How would you define the season so far? Are you happy with your progress?
Pat Heaney ’18: I am happy with my progress so far. I have improved by over five feet from last season and look to keep improving. I am excited to throw in a competitive varsity shot put event in the CHSAA championship meets coming up in February.

Xavier E-News: What is the mark you would like to hit at Cities?
Heaney: The mark I would like to hit at CHSAA Cities is 44 feet. I feel that this mark would get me into the finals for the event, which would allow me to compete for a city championship and be one of only a few people to win the distinction. I think this mark is a reasonable yet reachable goal to achieve.

Xavier E-News: How would you describe the progress of the team as a whole?
Heaney: The team as a whole has improved greatly from last year. Multiple throwers have hit and surpassed their previous personal best marks. The newcomers to the team have made great strides since joining the team. Our coaches Mr. Dormer and Mr. Malewich have shown a great commitment to our success and improvement as the season has progressed. The team’s improvement and success has been a result of consistent hard work and dedicated coaching.

Heaney and the rest of the throwers will look to add to their current success with championship season right around the corner. For all information pertaining to the track team, click here.