Montano Joins The 60 Foot Club
Thornton Academy senior Jason Montano won the Class A indoor & outdoor shot put titles a year ago, hitting a best of 58-8 1/2 a year ago, a mark that moved him to fourth best in Maine state indoor history. He would improve to 59-2 1/2 during the outdoor season at the New England Championship, where he turned back the competition to sweep the indoor & outdoor titles in 2018.
A football player for one of the state's best team, Montano made the difficult decision to focus on shot put inside of suiting up on the gridiron this fall.
Montano told us "I decided not to play football this year so I could focus more on working the certain muscle groups that would help me throw further. I also used the time to work on advancing my technique."
He had to watch as the Trojans steam rolled the competition winning the Class A title with a perfect record.
"Not playing football was a difficult decision. I love the sport and my teammates but I'm so proud of all they accomplished this season. I was at every game cheering them on. They've worked so hard and earned the state title. Even though I missed playing this year I know I made the right decision. I don't have any regrets because it gave me the time to further develop my throws." Montano said.
The off-season work certainly paid dividends in the first meet of the season as the DePaul bound senior opened with a throw 61-3.
"This fall I focused on working key muscle groups and technique work. The work paid off this past weekend with my 61 ft throw but I still have more to work on as I go through the season."
With the 60ft plus throw he moves into elite company as only three others have thrown farther indoors in Maine. The mark currently ranks him US #2 in the event.
With much of the season left Montano is now setting his eyes on the state record of 65-4 set by South Portland's Daniel Guiliani back in 2016.
Should be fun watching him every time he steps in the ring the rest of the winter.
Maine Boys Shot Put Indoor All-Time
