On Tuesday, August 2nd at 6:30pm, Somers High School will host the Westchester Road Runners Summer Series. Regardless of the meet’s name, a rare treat will be in store for field event enthusiasts. The hammer throw will feature world class athletes, including two national age group champions and a current hopeful for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
It would be impressive enough to say that Alec Faldermeyer of Middletown, NY was a two-time NCAA All-American as a true freshman at UCLA in the weight throw and hammer. However, his hammer season did not end with the academic year, as he went on to win the 2011 USATF Junior (Under 20) National Championships. Following that, Alec won the 2011 Pan-American Junior championships in Florida earlier this month, throwing the 13.2 lbs hammer over 239 feet! Never satisfied with his own performances, however, next Alec now has his sights set on the American junior hammer throw record, which he will try to obtain next Tuesday at Somers.

 

 

 

Rudy Winkler of Albany, NY had an equally stellar year. Once again, it would be remarkable enough to mention that Rudy won the indoor national high school championships in the weight, and national high school outdoor championships in the hammer as a sophomore! To add to his stellar season, Rudy went on to be a finalist at the World Youth (Under 17) Championships in France with the 11 pound hammer. Rudy will also be chasing the American youth record in the hammer at Somers next Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

 

Matt DiBuono of New Rochelle, NY placed third at this years’ USATF Senior National Championships in Oregon. This feat is made even more impressive by the fact that this was Matt’s first USATF National Championships appearance. His years of hard work and dedication have now led him to be a real contender for the 2012 Olympic team that will go to London next year. Rather than chasing a specific record, Matt will simply try to improve his personal best of 251’-3” with the 16 lbs hammer at Somers next Tuesday. If he does that, he will improve his spot in the world rankings, improving his chances of placing in the top three again at next year’s Olympic Trials in Oregon.

While the three marquee athletes in the hammer might all be in different age groups, it will still be a great show. For anyone who appreciates the strength of weightlifters, the grace of dancers, and the coordination of circus performers all wrapped in to one incredible event, the hammer competition next Tuesday at Somers is one that nobody will want to miss.