Maher, Samson both reach finals
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DES MOINES — Jordan Maher’s performance at the 100th Drake Relays on Thursday was good enough to erase a bad memory from the year before.
The senior discus thrower tossed a school-record throw of 133-3, which was good enough to advance her to the finals and was far enough to earn her a seventh-place finish as well.
“It was much better than last year,” said Maher, who threw all three of her preliminary throws into the net at the Relays last season. “I’m happy and content with the distance of my throws. I am just kind of shocked at how far the other girls threw today. I thought it was going to be easier.”
Maher’s throw of 132 feet prior to the Relays was the second-best throw in the state. Thursday, Iowa City High’s Majesty Tutson won the gold medal with a toss of 138-09. Taking second was North Fayette’s Britlyn Sieck with a throw of 136-0, while Iowa City West’s Courtney Fritz and Camanche’s Sarah Powell tied for third with identical throws of 135-09.
“There were a lot of seniors in the field, and they all wanted to go out with big throws,” Maher said. “I was pleased with my throws.”
CMB coach Jerry Meinerts was happy with Maher’s effort at the Relays, saying what she accomplished was pretty amazing.
“Jordan did a great job at the Relays today,” Meinerts said. “To finish seventh in an all classes field is pretty darn good. Jordan has such a competitive side to her that I know she wanted to finish higher, but we were both pretty happy with how the day went.”
Also competing for CMB on Thursday was senior Danny Samson, and he also advanced to the finals after a preliminary throw of 52-8.75. He went into the final round in sixth and came out in seventh. He entered the Relays in 12th.
“My goal was to advance to the finals and to maybe medal,” Samson said. “I am happy but also disappointed because I went in sixth and finished seventh.”
The boys shot put featured plenty of talented throwers, as well. Marion senior Drew Clark, who will play football for the University of Iowa next season, won the gold medal with a monster toss of 61-01.
“Being down at the Drake Relays is a phenomenal experience for these kids,” CMB coach Neil Seales said. “I think Danny is upset that he didn’t medal, but I am not disappointed by any means. Danny has high expectations of himself though. That’s why he has been so successful.”
Coming in second behind Clark was Denison-Schleswig’s Brandon Scherff, who completed a throw of 57-3.5. Ames’ Nic Toben took third with a throw of 56-03, while Iowa City High’s Kevin Harp was fourth at 56-01. The field also included future Iowa Hawkeye football player Brett Van Sloten of Decorah and future Iowa Hawkeye basketball player Brennan Cougill of Sioux City Bishop Heelan.
“When you see throws that far, it’s obviously an outstanding field,” Seales said. “Danny is a big kid, but he was one of the smallest out there today. It is just a real big honor to be here.”
Maher’s improved in each of her first three throws. She hit 119-0 to start the competition, improved that number to 125-11 on her second throw and advanced to the finals with a 133-3 on her final throw. Her first two throws in the finals exceeded 128 feet. She threw into the net on her final attempt.
Samson started out his preliminary round with a 49-11 then qualified for the finals with a 52-8.75. He scratched on his third throw before throwing two 51-foot throws and a 49-foot throw in the finals.
The good news for Maher and Samson is that both should have solid chances to get back to Drake Stadium and compete in the state track meet in May. Maher is currently ranked No. 1 in Class 2A in discus, while Samson had the best finish of any other Class 2A thrower at the Drake Relays.
“I have room to improve,” Maher said. “I know I have a lot more in me.”
Maher ran in the 100-meter hurdles today at 8 a.m. and also will join teammates Jackie Coughenour, Amanda Coughenour and sister Abby Maher in the 400-meter relay at 5:30 p.m. Jordan Maher, Abby Maher, Jackie Coughenour and Amanda Aukes also will compete in the shuttle hurdle relay on Saturday.
