Oakdale High School junior Hannah Chappell has made a tradition out of advancing to the California State Track and Field State Meet. Chappell, who competes in both the discus and shot put throwing competitions, powered her way to first place in the discus competition this past weekend at the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Meet at Elk Grove. Chappell’s first place heave came on her third and final toss which traveled 151-02 feet. It not only made her a Section champion, it also made her a three-time State Meet qualifier.
“I just clear my mind before I throw. I am more excited than nervous,” Chappell said about the difference this year when throwing when compared to previous seasons.
To compete at the high level that she does, a lot of discipline goes into her daily routine and diet. According to Chappell, she trains five to six days for numerous hours and also watches her nutrition as well.
“It takes a lot of discipline and patience to be successful at this level of competition,” she added.
Chappell’s throw was nearly 14 feet further than the second place finisher from River Valley. She also surged past teammate Kai Tanner in the competition. Tanner finished 14th overall with a throw of 110-11.
“We give each other words of encouragement before each throw. She is a great teammate,” Chappell said of Tanner.
Chappell’s dad, OHS throws Coach Brett Chappell, was beaming with pride following his daughter’s feat.
“It’s quite an accomplishment to be ranked so high in the state of California. The level of competition here is so tough. This is her third straight Masters Championship, and she is advancing to the State Meet again. It’s very impressive,” the proud parent and coach said.
Although Chappell was the only Mustang to advance to State, set for Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6, OHS was well represented at the Masters. Other than discus, Tanner also finished fifth in the shot put with a toss of 38-01.75, just missing the final cut. Freshman Cassie England finished 21st in the triple jump with a distance of 33.02.50 on day two. Sophomore Sara Stevens failed to advance to day two of the meet with her trials time of 59.18 in the 400 meter run. Stevens finished sixteenth in the trials.
OHS also had a pair of pole vault competitors at the Masters. Sophomore Sarah Courtney and junior Matt Vandagriff, the Mustangs’ lone male athlete to make it to Masters, both failed to advance, but had the opportunity to vault at the prestigious meet.
