Cinnaminson track and field athlete Ryan Addlesberger took home a state title on Saturday in the shot put with a throw of 56-8 at the Group 2 Championships at South Plainfield.
Addlesberger, who will attend Manhattan College in the fall, will compete at the Meet of Champions on Wednesday, June 3. This event will also be held at South Plainfield.
“At first, 56-8 wasn’t the throw I was looking for, Addlesberger explained. “I was disappointed, but my family was happy. My coach was happy that we got the title. After it kicked in that I won the state championship, I realized we have until Wednesday to work on things I need to improve. Winning indoor and outdoor for Group 1 and Group 2; I’m very happy.”
Addlesberger will compete as the four-seed in the shot put and as the 29-seed in the discus at the Meet of Champions. Addlesberger is competing to become the first-ever athlete in the history of the school to bring home an MOC title.
With the outdoor title, Addlesberger has now won two state titles in the same year. He won the indoor title during the winter track season.
Shot put coach Charlie Kind said, “Ryan worked to eclipse the school record but we just didn’t have it that day, but he still came home with an outdoor title, to follow his indoor title, which is only the second time in school history that someone did that in the same year, following John Keevey in 1992.”
Addlesberger entered the Group 2 Finals as the two-seed, behind Frank Ahearn of Ramsey. Asked which title was tougher to secure, Addlesberger gave the nod to the outdoor title.
“We had Frank Ahearn to go against. Coming outdoors and throwing at South Plainfield, where I’ve never thrown well before. I am happy I was able to throw decently and win the competition.”
Coach Kind has spoke glowingly about Addlesberger’s work ethic in the past and continues to be impressed with his successes.
“I am incredibly proud of him and the thrower he has become and the work he has put in to get to this point. His work ethic has never wavered as he chases and chases after his goals. I respect and admire all that he has accomplished and I am very lucky to coach such a wonderful kid. I look forward to seeing what he can do on Wednesday and I am completely enthralled with all that he has accomplished.”
The rain date for the Meet of Champions is Thursday, June 4.
