Smithtown West’s Bonhurst Wins National Shot Put Crown
U.S. High Jump Title Eludes County Champ Ladouceur
Ben Bonhurst & Alex LacouceurSmithtown High School West closed out the 2013-2014 indoor Track and Field season in dramatic fashion last weekend as two of its stars represented their school at the New Balance Indoor Nationals. The meet, which featured prize-winning boys and girls from across the nation, was held at the jam-packed, world-famous New York Armory, home of the renowned Millrose Games, and the world’s fastest indoor track.
Smithtown’s sensational State Shot Put champion, Ben Bonhurst, added an indelible exclamation point to his remarkable indoor season on Saturday, March 15, as he stepped up and heaved the shot 64’ 7-1/4”. Following that monumental first toss, State and County champs representing schools throughout the country attempted to match or surpass the mighty (6’ 4”) Bonhurst, but to no avail. It was destined to be Big Ben’s day.
“The adrenaline was just there today,” said the huge Florida State-bound athlete. “It was really pumping. You can always tell by the way the shot leaves your hand.”
The day before, on Friday, March 14, Smithtown West’s one other representative at the nationals, Suffolk County High Jump champ Alex Ladouceur, whose personal best leap is 6’ 5” competed in his specialty. “I felt good clearing the first jump at six-feet-plus,” said Alex, known to his teammates as ‘Lat,’ “After that the big field was cut in half and I had my chance…but the wheels sort of came off.”
Both high school field event champs said they’re eagerly looking forward to the upcoming outdoor Track and Field season at Smithtown West, where both are seniors…then on to college and an even larger stage. Ben Bonhurst will join the ranks of the legendary ‘Seminoles’ in the sunshine of Tallahassee, while Alex Ladouceur seems to favor Oswego State up north on the shores of Lake Ontario.
“‘Lat’ flourishes outdoors,” said one veteran observer. “As for Ben…who knows how far he can ultimately throw that thing?” “Count on it,” another fan at the Armory noted, “The powerful duo is bound to be heard from this spring…and beyond.”