Bishop Stang senior Jacob Cookinham has racked up just about every accolade imaginable during his decorated shot put career, from four consecutive state titles, to back-to-back New England crowns, to his 42-meet winning streak in MIAA competition dating back to his freshman year.
But there was one thing missing from Cookinham’s resume: A national championship.
In his last high school competition Saturday, Cookinham finally broke through with a 66-foot 11½-inch final throw to set a meet record and earn first place at Adidas Outdoor Nationals in Greensboro, N.C. The throw surpasses Cookinham’s previous season-best mark from last week’s New England Interscholastic Championships (66¼), and is the third-longest throw in the country this season.
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“When I released the shot out of my hand on that final throw, it felt like relief,” said Cookinham, who will compete at Kansas next year. “It was a great moment, and a great throw to end my high school career on.”
Congratulations to Jacob Cookinham for winning the Adidas Outdoor National Championship in the Shot Put today! Jacob threw 66’ 11.5” on his sixth & final attempt to win! Congratulations Jacob on this outstanding achievement, and congratulations on your tremendous career!
— Stang Athletics (@BishopStangAD) June 17, 2023
Cookinham entered the New Balance Indoor Nationals in March as the top seed, after his personal-best throw (67-4½) at the East Coast Invitation in January was the country’s longest of the indoor season. However, he fouled on his last throw and finished a disappointing third (63-6¼).
With three months to build back from his disappointing indoor nationals result — and winning every local meet in between with ease — Cookinham was sure to keep his approach steady Saturday. After drawing fouls on his fourth and fifth throws, he stayed calm for his final attempt.
“I was nervous for my first and second throws, but once I got my groove, the confidence took over,” Cookinham said. “On my fourth and fifth row, they were both huge fouls out near 70 feet. I knew I had a big throw in me on my sixth . . . and I just couldn’t be happier about how I did today.”
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Matty Wasserman can be reached at matty.wasserman@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @Matty_Wasserman.