Hunter Wallster had an exceptional year in Saskatchewan high school track and field, winning gold in the discus toss and silver in the shot put.
He also set a new provincial record in the discus at regionals.
But his high school accomplishments are just part of a busy year, and it’s far from over.
Starting last December, Wallster attended indoor track and field meets about two or three times a month, travelling to Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and other locations.
Once the outdoor track and field season started, he travelled to Regina and Lethbridge, Alta., in early May.
His focus then shifted to high school track and field.
Once his commitments to the Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs were finished, he was back in Regina for the Saskatchewan Athletics Club provincial competition, where he won gold in the hammer throw, the under-18 discus and the under-20 discus.
“So far I’m pretty pleased with myself, especially in the discus,” he said. “It’s really ramped up since last year, hitting that 51-metre throw in districts. Compared to last year, I was only hitting in the low 40s, around 42 at the most. And this year I’ve been really consistent in the high 40s and low 50s. That’s something I’m really happy about this year.”
Wallster cited a new coach as the biggest reason for his improvements. Tyrell Sawatzky from the University of Saskatchewan has pieced together a lifting program, and has also offered training and video analysis since the two started working together last September.
He’s in Regina for the Team Sask. Selection Camp until July 6, and then he’ll be at the three-province championships in Regina from July 13-15, where he’ll compete against the best from Alberta and Manitoba in addition to Saskatchewan.
Up next will be a meet in Sherwood Park, Alta., from July 19-21. After a week off, he’ll be in Nova Scotia for the under-18 nationals from Aug. 11-13.
“I’m hoping to win discus, but a medal would be nice,” he said. “Currently I’m sitting fourth in Canada for the under-18 age group by a few centimetres.”
As for the hammer throw, Wallster would like to surpass his fifth place finish of a year ago.
The experience from last year will be beneficial, he said, especially now that he’s one of the oldest competitors in his age group. It will be his last year in under-18.
“I really want to push my game from last year, and just show how much I’ve grown since then, and show what I’m made of.”
He hasn’t been involved in the sport for a long time, as he started in Grade 8 and didn’t join a team until Grade 9. The inspiration to try the sport came while watching the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“I saw it on TV there, and I wanted to try it out. I wasn’t really good at running or jumping or any of that stuff, so I showed up to high school practice there, and it really turned out well that year. I went to nationals that year, and I’ve been doing it since.”
Track and field pushes athletes to work hard and get better, he said, as they are the root of their own success or failure.
“It really shows you what you can do technique-wise and strength-wise, just to get better,” he said.
Wallster is entering Grade 12 at the Estevan Comprehensive School this fall. He has spoken with a few Division 1 schools in the National Collegiate Athletics Association about joining them after he graduates high school, and he looks forward to pursuing his love of the sport and getting a good education.
