Michael Moody’s week was going to be long one way or another.
The North Yarmouth Academy senior and part-time Auburn resident was ready to leave for the Nike Outdoor Nationals, a high-profile track meet in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Thursday, June 15.
One problem: He still had to throw in the Class C state track meet for his NYA team on Tuesday, June 13.
“It actually probably helped me in the long run, that schedule,” said Moody.
Maybe it was the schedule, maybe not, but for whatever reason, Moody was ready.
The NYA graduate heaved his javelin 198 feet, 10 inches, passing his closest competitor by 14 inches to become a national champion in the javelin.
“It was a great time, and one of the best feelings I’ve ever had, certainly in sports,” said Moody, who was competing at the event for the second year in a row. He attributed part of this year’s success to his showing, however mediocre, last year.
“I was trying to PR last year at nationals,” said Moody. “I had thrown in the 170s, but I just wasn’t used to the surface. In Maine, we run on grass, but there, there is a ramp. That played a huge role in my comfort level this year.”
Last year, Moody topped out at 160 feet, 8 inches on his second throw.
At the Class C state meet, Moody’s throw of 194 feet, 1 inch was good for a new state Class C record, and his 10 points helped lead the Panthers to the Class C crown.
Next year, Moody will throw for Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
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