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02/22/2017 11:00 PMIn only her second year of high school, Jalynn McCown has tossed her way to the top of the state in the shot put. A dedicated sophomore, Jalynn plans to keep striving toward longer distances and additional achievements during the second half of her Indians career.
Jalynn, a member of Guilford’s indoor and outdoor track programs, first took up the sport at age 12 before settling into the shot put with the indoor squad. After finishing fourth at the SCC Championship with a throw of 35 feet-4 inches, Jalynn reached a personal-best mark of 36-7.25 just a week later to capture first place at the Class L State Championship on Feb. 11.
“I like the individuality of track and how everyone is responsible alone for how they do. I learned a lot about working hard for my goals and dreams,” says Jalynn. “It still seems unbelievable to win a state title. I was seeded 3rd, so I thought I just had to get my best throw, but then I realized why not try and go for first? The event wasn’t really nerve-racking, but more motivating for me. It was my first time having an experience like that.”
Jalynn has been working with a familiar face as her throwing coach this year. She’s come to the conclusion that there’s no one special technique that’s needed to be an excellent thrower. Instead, Jalynn feels that it just takes a whole lot of heart.
“My dad has been coaching me this year and he’s been my coach throughout my life, so it’s helped make things pretty easy for me,” Jalynn says. “Throwing is all about hard work. The best thrower is someone who puts in all effort all the time.”
Indoor track Head Coach Jon Rivera also works with Jalynn when she throws the discus in the outdoor season. Rivera says that Jalynn’s diligence is truly exemplified during the winter, when practice time is very scarce and extremely valuable.
“Jalynn works hard at her craft. Shot put indoors is tough, battling for gym time and it being very cold outside. Jalynn puts the time and effort in to be successful. Her dad has really helped her and the team out a lot this year, bringing his throwing experience and knowledge to the team,” says Rivera. “Jalynn had an amazing freshman season last winter and spring and continues to improve. She finished fourth at SCCs, but was only beaten by seniors, so her future is very bright. She also excels in the discus in outdoors. Jalynn turns it on once she gets inside the throwing circle. She was a major point scorer for the outdoor team last spring and will be relied on heavily again this spring. She’s a pleasure to have on the team.”
Jalynn tries not to overthink things when she steps into the circle and goes into her windup. Jalynn says it’s all about being loose, looking at your target, and locking in on it.
“My coaches have told me that on your best throw, you’ll never feel what you did,” says Jalynn. “I step in the throwing circle, look to where I want to throw, and then just make sure I have my hips and blocking arm in and strike.”
Winning battles against upperclass athletes so early in her career has given Jalynn a big boost of confidence going forward at Guilford. Jalynn has her sights set on posting many more milestones throughout the next two years.
“I feel a lot more secure as a sophomore now because I’ve been competing with seniors all championship season. I felt more pressure going into states this season, so I had to show I belong there,” says Jalynn, who thanks Rivera and assistant track coach Rich Torrellas, along with her father Lamont, mother Lisa, and sister Jada. “I’m working towards being a State Open champion by my senior year and to hopefully compete at the collegiate level.”