Beast Mode: Jonah Wilson sets California discus record

Contributed Photo – Jonah Wilson set a new California high school record in the discus with a throw of 221-5 at the Battle of the Central Valley meet on April 28 at Veterans Memorial Stadium. It was also good for the 11th best throw in United States high school history.

Jonah Wilson woke up with a feeling on the morning of the Battle of Central Cal Invite that something special was about to happen.

In fact, Wilson Tweeted out that morning “Today is going to be a record breaking day.”

And oh my, Wilson sent the track and field world abuzz with a discus throw for the ages. 

The Clovis senior not only broke a Central Section record with an incredible throw of 221-5 but also set the new standard of excellence in the entire history of California.

Let me put it in other words – Jonah Wilson is the new Big Kahuna and sits atop the record book with the greatest throw in state history.

And more words that you’ll have to read at least twice – the throw was the 11th greatest high school throw of all time.

In fact, he’s one of only five throwers that hold the top 11 spots. It’s also the No. 1 throw in the nation this season. Ryan Crouser of Barlow, Oregon, the gold medal winner at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, holds the national record at 237-6 set in 2011.

“I knew when I let go of the discus it was going to be something amazing,” said Wilson. “I was yelling and screaming with excitement because I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling other than doing that.

“I walked out to where the disc landed and when I saw the mark, I nearly came to tears. It was one of the biggest moments of my life. It was, and still is, and unbelievable moment.”

The previous state record of 213-11 was set in 1997 by Scott Moser of Huntington Beach.

The record-breaking throw was on his third attempt after admittingly being nervous on his first two. He said that he knew right out of his hand he knew he broke the state record.

Wilson’s dad, Todd, participated in the Olympic trials in 1992 and was a three-time All-American discus thrower at the University of Washington where Jonah is headed next year on scholarship.

Even his dad was amazed at his son’s performance, but knows there’s more to come from his talented son.

“My dad kept telling me that I didn’t realize what I truly did and how big of a throw it really was,” Jonah said. “He kept telling me not to settle, and immediately told me things I could have done better in my throw. He always wants me to get better, no matter how far I’m throwing.”

The Central Section Masters is May 20 and the CIF State Track & Field Championships are June 2-3, both held at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Paul Meadors: Paul Meadors is a man of many talents. He is a elementary school teacher, Junior High athletic director, and basketball coach in Traver, CA, in addition to serving as the Sports Editor for the Clovis Roundup. He is also the author of the humorous book “Letters to eBay,” and he has recorded a piano album of his own compositions titled “Surviving the Storm.” He lives in Fresno with wife Lori and daughters Georgie, Alex and Ruthie.
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