Oakdale High School strongman Ben Chappell competed recently in the 2018 Northern California Hammer Championship. Chappell is well known for his discus and shot put as a Mustang but this past weekend he displayed his talents at Delta College in the big meet.

“This is my third time competing in the hammer throws championship,” said the soon-to-be junior at Oakdale High School. The third time was the charm as this year Chappell placed fifth overall in the meet. After three throws, including a heave of 162 feet and five inches, Chappell qualified for the top 11 to advance to the finals.

“I was focused and excited when I was competing. It was very exciting, the whole experience,” said Chappell.

The hammer weighs 12 pounds and Chappell began focusing on hammer throwing shortly after his high school season came to an end in May. Chappell’s finals performance not only landed him a fifth place finish, but he also walked away with a personal record of a throw of 164 feet and seven inches.

“I was shocked and it did not sink in until later in the day,” Chappell said.

This summer Chappell plans on competing in a few more events and looks to return as a key member of the Oakdale High School throws team in 2019.