State Champion spotlight: Samantha Curran Thornton Academy

State Champion spotlight: Samantha Curran Thornton Academy

Junior Samantha Curran repeated as Class A Shot Put state champion this winter. Curran won the event with her first toss of the meet to complete her undefeated season in the state of Maine. Curran had a best throw of 39-8 3/4 on the year. We caught up with her to ask abour her preparations, her goals, and what it meant to repeat

What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?

I practiced lightly throughout the week, to try and give my arm a break. Mentally, I tried to prepare myself for any situation that was to come, and figure how to keep myself calm. I was very stressed before the meet but on meet day I focused all of that nervous energy into my throws.

How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?

I definitely struggled with the pressure to do well that I put upon myself; I believe the pressure I placed on myself is what hindered me in some ways on meet day. My teammates helped me stay positive and energetic before my throws, which was a big help.

You were the defending Class A Shot put champion, do you think haven't won last year relaxed you for the competition? What did it mean to repeat?

I did not feel relaxed coming into the state meet because the new year also brings along new competition, so I did not want to become complacent with the state title. It meant a lot to me to repeat, just knowing that I could do it again and continue to improve was a big goal of mine for my high school career. I can only hope for the best in the next season.

Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?

My goal was to improve in form and distance; I accomplished both goals, though they are still ongoing. Towards the end of the season I hoped to reach 40 feet, but I did not hit the mark; I am very hopeful I will reach forty in the outdoor season.

You improved your best mark in the shot put to 39-8 3/4 indoors, what would it mean to break 40ft outdoors?

It would mean a lot to me, mostly because I have been working up to forty since I started throwing in middle school. I did come close this season and I am happy with my marks but I know I can do better and only time will tell.

Curran's Shot Put Progression

2015-16 Results