CGD incoming sophomore Mason Allen just recently returned from the AAU Junior Olympics held in Humble, Texas. The event features thousands of athletes from all over the country. He competed in the discus and javelin events.
“You have to qualify to get there,” said Allen. “I went to Des Moines first, and then qualified for the regional in Minnesota. I placed well enough there to move on. I wasn’t really expecting to go, but I also knew I had a chance.” August 2 and 4 were his actual competition days for the two events.
He ended up placing 21st in the discus with a best throw of 126’ 4”, and was 24th in the javelin with a 115’ best effort. Both events had around 75 entries. “I was very satisfied with my discus finish, but not so much with the javelin,” said Allen. While the javelin is not a high school event here in Iowa, Allen was throwing one at 13 years of age. “I practiced with a broom handle in the backyard, and then later on purchased my own javelin,” he said.
They also used it as a family vacation trip. “We saw the Johnson Space Center while there,” he said. Allen really enjoyed the opportunity to compete there, and would definitely recommend it to others. “I think the Nationals will be held at Drake Stadium in maybe two years,” he said. He also wishes to thank his dad for all his help. “He’s my biggest coach, and is a former Drake Relays discus champion,” added Allen.
