It's hammer time!

After placing first in the shot put and fourth in the Northern Section California Interscholastic Federation track meet, Angela Schykerynec felt a surge of emotion: She’d never have to compete in those events again! While Angela was good enough to qualify for the state meet in the shot, she still wouldn’t be competing in her best event, the hammer throw. California doesn’t offer the hammer at the high school level, but many competitions in the state feature the hammer throw.

Angela’s journey to the hammer began in junior high, where she did indeed compete in the shot and discus. Local pole vault instructor Andrew Meredith took notice of her ability and motivation, recommending she try the hammer. Angela and her dad, Joe Schykerynec (sha-ker-ee-nek), eventually drove to Galt, CA, the home of the Golden State Throwers Club and coach Mike Curry.

It proved to be a providential choice as Angela took to the hammer right away.

“Once I hit 130 feet in a few months, I’d tasted my first success,” said Angela. “The club brought a new level of intensity, and I fit right in.” Soon, she was winning age group meets and setting records, first breaking the club record and then her California age group record. She won a national title in the 15-16 age group in 2020 and, in 2023, won the Nike Indoor Nationals in New York City, where she beat over 20 competitors. Anglea is a certified All-American hammer thrower.

This success has led to a scholarship from University Of California, Berkeley, a top-tier track program. Besides her athletic ability, Angela is no slouch in the classroom, currently earning close to a 4.0 GPA. At Berkeley, she plans on majoring in Integrative Biology. She credits many coaches and teachers with her success, but two teachers, in particular, stand out from Orland High School: her anatomy and medical terminology instructor, Christine Sickels, and her AP literature instructor, Steve Morgan. “Both Ms. Sickels and Mr. Morgan have been excellent teachers. They keep class interesting and they teach well.” She plans on earning a degree in physical therapy, but first, the hammer throw beckons.

“In the hammer, technique is 90%,” said Angela. “You need speed and strength obviously, but without good technique, you won’t reach your highest level.” She credits her dad, Joe, and mom, Emmy, with giving her support along the way. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

We certainly wish Angela the best of luck in her academic and athletic career at UC Berkeley.