Name: Darren Shi
School: Yarmouth High School
What was your most memorable meet?
My most memorable meet would definitely have to be Outdoor Track Class C States 2014. It was held at Dover-Foxcroft and I had a lot of competition that season. It was my first state champion title in shot put and it was very intense. Going into the meet, I was the top seed but entering the finals, I was seeded second. I clearly remember which throw that was the winning throw: my second throw in the finals. In the end, I threw 49 feet 5 inches and I won by only an inch. It was the best moment of my high school track career.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I have had so much competition throughout my four years. My very first competition in shot put was James Ferrar from Greely and I would always come second to him in every regular season meet. Unfortunately, Ferrar did not do track his senior year so I never was able to beat him in a meet in the end. After Ferrar left, many more competitors showed up: Trever Gray (Waterville), Curtis McLeod (MCI), Eric Hathaway (MCI), Jake Koffman (Orono), Nick White (Cheverus), and Daniel Guiliani (South Portland).
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Without a doubt, my greatest accomplishment is finally throwing shot put over 50 feet. Throughout my high school career that was my goal and I'm very happy that I was finally able to do it my senior year.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your track and field career in high school?
Nothing. These four years has been amazing and I don't think that I would have wanted it to happen another way.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle that I had to overcome was not losing my strength after straining my hamstring. Twice. It was hard for me to not work out when I injured myself but I was able to tell myself that I needed to heal up before pushing myself in the weight room.
What will you miss the most?
My teammates and my coaches. Without their support I would not have been able to do as well as I have done.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Lift weights. Whether you're a thrower, jumper, or sprinter, everyone should work out. By working out in the weight room, you can become a better athlete and boost your performance.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach is very proud of how much I have changed since my freshman year of high school. Coach Smith has trained me so well that I became the first athlete from Yarmouth High School to compete at States for all three throwing events. He knows me very well and knows what to do in almost any situation that arises. I couldn't have asked for a better coach to have in high school.
What are your college plans?
I am attending Stonehill College and will be participating on their track and field team.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Coach Hank Richards, Coach John Beatty, Becky O'Brien, Coach Dennis O'Brien, and most importantly Coach Adam Smith. These five people were instrumental to my success as a thrower. Coach Richards was my very first throwing coach and taught me the fundamentals about throwing. He also drove me to practices on Wednesday at 5AM at USM to work with Becky. Coach Beatty worked with me during late nights when I couldn't get any throwing in some weeks during the indoor season. He was also the one who introduced me to Coach Rich Hart, the throwing coach of Stonehill College. Coach O'Brien allowed me to work with him at Greely and showed me everything that was wrong with my technique and helped me fix it.
Coach Smith has always been there for me from start to finish. He has spent countless hours helping me in shot put, discus, and javelin. He is a coach that is approachable by everybody on the team even if they weren't a thrower. He is truly everything an athlete could ask for in a coach.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Track and Field at Yarmouth High School has been a blast. I am sad to be leaving, but I can't wait to see what I'll be able to do at Stonehill College.
More Coverage
Do you know a class of 2015 track and field or cross country athlete? We'd like to salute them! Have them answer the following questions plus send 2-3 photos (can not be from another website or publication) to dveilleux@milesplit.us