ALL-NWADG BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: BLAKE YOUNG, FAYETTEVILLE

All-NWADG Track: Young bounces back from injury

Blake Young, Fayetteville; boys track athlete of the year.
Blake Young, Fayetteville; boys track athlete of the year.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Blake Young worked his way through a severe back injury which forced him to step away from the Fayetteville basketball team during his junior season.

Judging by his performance in the shot put and discus in the track, Young adjusted to the injury just fine this spring.

While the back injury remained an issue through the outdoor track and field season, Young -- a 6-foot-5 junior at Fayetteville -- never let it affect his performance. Instead, his focus in shot put and discus alone paid off in a big way as he became the top individual in each event throughout the season.

For his efforts, Young is the All-NWADG Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

"I've been struggling with (the injury) all year," Young said. "I was able to throw about 54 (feet) in the shot put last year and I threw that again this year. So it's definitely hindered me but I've been able to work through it. I actually got a 56 or 57 (feet) in practice, so it's something I've been able to overcome."

Young was nearly perfect throughout the entire spring in both the shot put and discus, winning both the 7A-West Conference and 7A State meet titles. He threw a season best 53 feet, 9 inches at the state meet in the shot and recorded a season-best 157-8 throw in the discus at state as well.

"My goal this year was to win state," Young said. "And my goal next year to compete at the national level."

Young said with his full focus now on the shot and discus, he's looking to attract colleges and is counting on a big senior season to make even more noise in his two events.

"Next year I'll think I'll be able to compete nationally in both events," Young said. "And hopefully I can get a scholarship for both events."

Sports on 06/09/2015

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