Yutzy throws shot at State

YAKIMA–Dayton High School junior all-around athlete Reuben Yutzy finished his 2023 track and field campaign with an appearance in the shot put event, but his performance didn't quite match the throw that qualified him for the big meet here last weekend.

Yutzy, an all-around athlete for Dayton-Waitsburg's track program, finished in 13th place with a 38-8½ shot put effort.

"Reuben looked very sharp," commented Head Coach Dan Nechodom, "having put in a few weeks of some focused effort to improve his form. He wasn't quite able to put it all together for a big PR, but competed well and was an encouragement to the other athletes."

Yutzy's mark that qualified for the state meet was a personal best of 42-5 at the EWAC District meet.

When joined the track team, started shot putting, first throw was 31-8. Steadily improved to bounce around between 37 and 39 feet in the latter stages of the season, then had a big throw to qualify for state.

Yutzy also threw the discus, long jumped, high jumped, was the anchor on the 4X100 relay, ran the 300m. Int. Hurdles, and sprinted the 100m and 200m with success at various track meets during the season. He won the high jump at a couple meets and typically was a strong finisher in the 100m. at league meets, his personal best in the 100m at 12.0 and 5-10 in the high jump.