WITH A FIFTH-ROUND 216-3 (65.93), Sam Mattis won his second national title on a hot day with temperatures in the high 80s. The favorite in an event featuring only two past champions among active throwers — comebacking Andrew Evans being the other — the 29-year- old Mattis had been the most consistent American thrower this season, competing around the globe on three continents.
The first round opened quietly amidst still wind conditions, northerly breezes having been diminished by the nearby construction of taller buildings in recent years. The biggest exception in the first round was raised by NCAA champion Turner Washington, who reached 210-10 (64.27). He was joined over 200ft by Brian Williams at 203-11 (62.16) and Reno Tuufuli at 200-2 (61.03), with Mattis 4th at 199-0 (60.67) as they began round 2.
Joe Brown, throwing 4th, moved to 3rd with a cast of 205-3 (62.56), with Washington increasing his lead by throwing 212-2 (64.67). Tuufuli improved to 202-6 (61.72) as the throwers were beginning to find their way with the conditions.
When Mattis entered the circle two throwers later, the flags beyond the end of the right sector line suddenly unfurled and Mattis caught the breeze, reaching 215-2 (65.58) for the lead. The only remaining 200-foot throw of the first three rounds came in the third frame when BYU’s Dallin Shurts reached 203-2 (61.92).
With the throwing order reset and the light breezes becoming a bit more frequent, 4th-placer Williams improved to 3rd with an effort of 207-10 (63.34). Washington, up next, upped the ante to 215-3 (65.60), pipping Mattis by 2cm. Mattis responded well, but his 212-2 (64.67) fell short of his best. In the fifth round Williams improved one last time, upping his best 2cm to 207-10 (63.36). Washington kept the heat on with a 213-10 (65.18) throw. Mattis, closing out the round, rifled his winning 216-3, then watched as none of the leaders improved their bests.
Mattis was pleased with the win, and particularly with the come-through nature of it. “I feel like I’ve gone through a lot of my career losing by 2 or 3cms,” he said. “This is kind of the first season where I’ve been able to respond and catch back up and have throws that get out there a little bit further when I need to.”
MEN’S DISCUS RESULTS
(July 06)
1. Sam Mattis (NYAC) 216-3 (65.93)
(199-0, 215-2, f, 212-2, 216-3, 206-10) (60.67, 65.58, f, 64.67, 65.93, 63.04);
2. Turner Washington (AzSt) 215-3 (65.60)
(210-10, 212-2, f, 215-3, 213-10, f) (64.27, 64.67, f, 65.60, 65.18, f);
3. Brian Williams (TS) 207-10 (63.36)
(203-11, 196-9, 199-3, 207-10, 207-10, 205-4) (62.16, 59.97, 60.73, 63.34, 63.36, 62.60);
4. Joseph Brown (unat) 205-3 (62.56)
(174-11, 205-3, 191-0, f, 202-8, 185-7) (53.31, 62.56, 58.23, f, 61.77, 56.57);
5. Dallin Shurts (BYU) 203-2 (61.92)
(f, 185-4, 203-2, 192-7, 197-5, f) (f, 56.49, 61.92, 58.71, 60.17, f);
6. Reno Tuufuli (unat) 202-6 (61.72)
(200-2, 202-6, 199-2, 189-10, 195-8, 198-0) (61.03, 61.72, 60.72, 57.86, 59.65, 60.37);
7. Jordan Roach (unat) 200-1 (60.98)
(196-1, 197-8, 182-11, f, 194-5, 200-1) (59.77, 60.26, 55.77, f, 59.27, 60.98);
8. Robbie Otal (Duke) 193-11 (59.11)
(192-1, 193-8, 193-11, 185-5, f, 191-2) (58.54, 59.02, 59.11, 56.53, f, 58.27);
9. Marcus Gustaveson (Vel) 193-8 (59.05); 10. Josh Syrotchen (GarS) 193-5 (58.95); 11. Jeff Williams (unat) 192-3 (58.60) PR; 12. Darian Brown (unat) 191-3 (58.29); 13. Nikl Arrhenius (GarS) 188-11 (57.58); 14. Andrew Evans (unat) 184-4 (56.19); 15. Milton Ingraham (Mia) 183-0 (55.79);… 3f—Sam Welsh (Rice).