The first thing that coach Marc Tosches noticed about Orcutt Academy freshman track thrower, Alex Andrade, was the tremendous physical strength he already has at 14 years old.
It’s a sign that he will only get stronger and better in the future. But even more than that, Tosches said what really stands out about this thrower is the way he carries himself.
“His demeanor as a freshmen shows toughness and confidence,” Tosches said.
The Spartan coach said Andrade has had a number of strong performances this track season, including in the recent Santa Barbara County Championships, where the freshman battled through inclement weather to medal in the freshmen/sophomore division for both shot put and discus.
“He is also the first Orcutt Academy varsity thrower to score a victory in a league meet versus Morro Bay,” Tosches said. “Alex is currently ranked in CIF Southern Section Division 4 at 71st place in discus.”
Tosches said that throwing is very much about technique, something that Alex has continued to improve since the start of the season, but he still has a long way to go.
“He increased his throws over the season by 6 feet in the shot put and 43 feet in the discus,” Tosches said. “Alex is hard working with a no-excuses attitude, and he motivates other throwers to do their best, too.”
This season is actually Andrade’s first track endeavor. He spent the fall season at Orcutt Academy as a football captain and lineman.
“I like throwing because it requires not only strength but skill,” Andrade said. “Getting over my nerves and staying focused on my form while throwing is probably my biggest challenge.”
When he started the season, Andrade said his goals were to develop enough throwing technique to make him competitive with more experienced throwers; the freshman said he feels he’s accomplished those goals.
“My best throw was at a meet in Lompoc—I threw 39 [feet]-4 [inches] in shot put and 104 [feet] in discus,” Andrade said.
The freshman Spartan said throwers need more than strength—it’s essential to have the techniques and most importantly the determination to improve. That combination of characteristics is pushing Andrade toward setting a school record.
“Knowing that I’m approaching a school record feels great,” Andrade said. “I just go out and give 100 percent, not only for me, but for my school because I’m proud to be a Spartan.”
This article appears in May 7-14, 2015.