The 114th Drake Relays are upon us, and no one in Plymouth County has more of a target on their back than Ian Blowe. The Akron-Westfield Westerner is back at the Blue Oval for the first time since winning state titles in the shot put and the discus. He will be throwing both at Drake and comes in as a favorite to win both. The opportunity follows a strong football season and an abbreviated wrestling season in which he decided that pursuing his throwing goals would be his best option.
Blowe has been rewriting his personal record book, his school’s record book, and various meets’ record books all season. Part of the reason for that has been a change he made in his lifting regimen that gets much better results.
The best part about the sport for Blowe is the fact that it is just him and the shot or disc in the circle trying to let it fly. He says it is a challenging sport mentally, but it is also a rewarding one.
Blowe has been in big time moments now which has allowed him to be stronger mentally. He says recognizing when a bad throw is made is important, but it is equally important to flush it as soon as you can.
Even after winning state titles in both throwing events last year, Blowe is not satisfied with just that in his trophy case. The Drake Relays are special to him for one final go around after not performing well last year. He says a win would fulfill a dream for his athletic career.
Blowe competes in the discus on Thursday and the shot put on Friday. He currently ranks as the second-best discus thrower in the state this season and the top shot put thrower statewide this season.
