LIVING WELL

are 30-39 years of age. Far older than the mid-20s of most sports. Among other competitive regulations, the javelin must weigh at least 800g for men and 600g for women and be 2.6m-2.7m for men and 2.2-2.3m for women in length. A top-rated javelin is usually made of carbon and can cost more than $1,200. In addition, toprated throwers usually receive highly specialized training beyond their high school coach and only train in javelin.

Unfortunately, largely due to living in a very rural part of Central Pennsylvania, Peter has had almost no opportunities for advanced training nor trains with the best facilities or equipment. In addition, to score points for his team, Peter was unable to specialize in the javelin and actually divided his training time among four different events.

However, Peter did have a few things going for him that have made him an exceptionally skilled and highly recruited thrower in only two outdoor training seasons.

First, he is an exceptional all-around athlete, which is rare. He can see a movement once or twice and pick it up quickly. He was an exceptional soccer player, in addition to other sports, and could have competed in college in any of several sports.

Second, he is very coachable and can receive and follow through with instructions. As most coaches can attest, not everyone takes instruction well.

Third, he is exceptionally strong and powerful. At around 200 pounds, he can lift more weight than most Division 1 linemen in football that weigh 300 pounds. For example, he can squat almost 600 pounds as a high school athlete. Just to give you an idea of how heavy that is, it is the equivalent of two refrigerators and would likely crush a normal person!

Last, and most important, his work ethic is unmatched. He and his twin brother Nick would get up at 5 a.m. to train at the local YMCA before school most days, go to class, go to track practice, then usually go to their parttime jobs. When his high school coach wasn’t available, Peter would drill on his own.

After winning states, Peter intentionally tapered down his training to give his body a break.

Currently, we are taking a well-needed family vacation at the beach. We will be leaving our beach rental a day early and driving six hours to Philadelphia, where we will stay overnight, then head straight to the competition the next morning.

To have javelins to train and compete, we actually rigged a case to the top of our van and have basically been traveling up and down the east coast with three javelins in a large tube. To train, Peter and I have been getting up at 5 a.m. at the beach and driving to a nearby park before anyone in the area gets up. You can’t exactly practice throwing a javelin with people walking around. He and his brother have also been grabbing light strength workouts at the fitness center in our development.

With two children graduating from graduate school and two graduating high school, district and state competitions, early morning training, and hectic travel schedules, it has been a very stressful time. It has also been extremely exciting. We, like most parents, are looking forward to watching our children grow, develop, and fulfill their dreams, including Peter’s upcoming national competition. Whether he wins or doesn’t throw well, all of our running around will be worth the effort, as it is the journey that is important. Stay tuned for updates on track and other things.

Hafer Auction

SATURDAY,

Note: All items are super clean & sold as-is with no warranties applied. Terms—Cash or good PA check only, ID required. Updated info & pics @ marquetteauctions.com, auctionzip.com ID1907 or GoToAuction.com ID6181. Owners not responsible for accidents. No Buyer’s Premium! Selling the personal property contents for Ken & Jeanne Hafer.

Marquette’s Auction Marketing

Tom Marquette, AU-002855L, 570/916-6903

Grit

June 27, 1971

Canal Street Renewal Plan

Characterized as “Catalyst”

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.

With all the ingredients needed for development, the Canal Street Redevelopment Project could be the “catalyst” to draw customers from a wide area to downtown Williamsport. Harold R. Eck, of Sardec Inc., developer, told members of the retail division of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, at a meeting last week. The influx of new trade generated by the opening of the Beltway and Interstate 80,