Marion’s Brown enjoys throws

MARION - She stays relaxed as she steps up to the plate. As she winds up, she tries to keep her form correct. Finally she releases the disc and watches it fly.

Marion junior Mahlia Brown has been a thrower in track and field since seventh grade.

'I have been throwing both shot put and discus for four years,” Brown said.

She loves the sport and has had a positive experience overall.

'My favorite thing about throwing is all the other throwers and (assistant coach Chuck) Clark,” Brown said.

Her fellow teammates really add to her experience at any meet.

'The best meet for me was Benton (Community) because I threw 37 feet, which is my personal best, but the best part was having all my girls with me,” said Brown.

Her coach also is a big part of her throwing.

'Mr. Clark is the best, and he has really helped me with my form over the years,” Brown said.

Clark also brings fun to the team.

'I love it when it rains because Mr. Clark's outfit is great,” Brown said with a giggle.

Brown started throwing for one reason.

'A lot of my friends were doing it and it seemed really fun,” she said.

She tried it and loved it - and has continued improving ever since.

'To get better we lift weights and work on fundamentals with Clark,” she said. 'Lately we've been working on gliding a lot.”

She wants to improve even more and has set goals for herself.

'I want to hit 40 feet and make it to finals at state by my senior year,” Brown said.

She will achieve her goal by practicing and staying calm in competitions.

'I just stay relaxed and goof around with the other girls to get ready to throw,” she said. 'I try not to worry about it too much, too.”

Brown has had to cut a few habits to get where she is today.

'I throw an average of 35.6 feet because I've really improved my throwing form,” she said. 'I used to wind up three times before I threw, but it made my form worse so I had to stop doing that.”

Although throwing has been an amazing adventure for her, there is one thing she would like to change.

'I don't like that the throwers are separated from the rest of the runners,” Brown said.

The thrower walks up to the plate knowing all her work and effort in practice has prepared her for this moment. She is confident and ready to get her new personal best.