While her season has been nothing short of fantastic since her season-opening victory at the Knights of Columbus Relays in early April, you could say that Mia Hoskins has been laser-focused in the hammer throw over the last month after placing second at the Class A Championships with a three-foot PR.
(Above photo by DyeStat.com)
Just three weeks after taking over the No. 1 spot in the country with a victory at the Mount Pleasant Invitational, Coventry’s gifted senior and the state and New England champion put it all together once again on the biggest of stages. Hoskins earned individual gold on Saturday afternoon during Day 3 of the New Balance Nationals by heaving a near best and new meet record of 188 feet, 8 inches.
Hoskins appeared to seal the deal on her very first throw with a then meet record of 186-8. But that would not be the case. Still leading the field with one throw remaining, eventual second-place finisher Amelia Bawcombe of Alexandria City (VA), unloaded a PR of 187-5. The lead would be short-lived for Bawcombe, who prior to the competition had a previous best of 160-5 from last year’s meet. On her final attempt right after her rival’s mammoth effort, Hoskins was able to taking home the gold with her clutch-winning throw. Woonsocket’s Isabella Piette also earned All-American status. The Villa Novan senior finished fourth in the field with a top throw of 172-5.
“This was an epic win,” said Coventry coach Erica Horlbogen. “Mia led this entire meet and to be overtaken with one throw left and then win a national championship and break the record again…EPIC!”
It turned into a grand day in the hammer for the Ocean State. Heavily-favored Owen Spira of Exeter/West Greenwich, the U.S., leader from the start of the season, earned his first national title with a toss of 231-11. Spira was among four RI athletes that earned a spot on the podium. Taking the final three positions were North Kingstown’s Jack Harmon (fourth, 223-3), East Greenwich’s Owen Allen (fifth, 215-7) and Woonsocket’s Shamrock Thoun (sixth, 214-9).
West Warwick’s Xenia Raye was third in her heat and 26th overall in the 400m where she was timed in 55.43. Skylar Maxwell of Moses Brown won the opening heat and was 46th among 110 finishers with a time of 56.47.
In the girls’ mile, Cumberland’s Kiley Defusco concluded her high school career with a solid 4:53.70, an effort that placed her 49th among 127 that toed the line.
Coming soon, Ocean State Running have an article on Day 4 action at the New Balance Nationals, and more, including a feature on Hoskin’s inspiring victory.
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