Athletics News

Written By: Kamryn Eskew of NDP Sports Management Club

Photo Credit: Mike Harvey of Peak Image Photo

On Saturday May 6th, Diego Herrera-Vendrell won his first State Championship in boys discus on Saturday. With a throw of 166' 7", he broke his own school record and has placed 32nd nationally.

When speaking with Diego about this achievement, we asked about the training process for a disc thrower: "It's just a bunch of repetition. I think analyzing every single thing you do in a throw is difficult because the throw happens within half a second. So, it's just trying to remember absolutely everything that you could have improved on and actually applying it to the next throw over and over again." Diego has had to put in countless hours, handwork, and dedication to reach this goal and title.

Diego never thought that he would be able to win a state championship at NDP, especially in discus throwing. He says, "I started out as a jumper my freshman year, so I didn't even consider the possibility of throwing or going to a state championship." Coach Nash has played a huge role for NDP's Track and Feild Team, but especially for our throwers. He is the head coach and has helped every athlete individually improve their skills. He has made sure to form good relationships with all of the athletes. For Diego, Coach Nash made a significant impact: "Coach Nash has been my biggest fan since day one when I was still a jumper. When I started disc practice I was throwing maybe half as far as I am now. He was always trying to reel me into it. Coach Nash has always guided me, supported me and given me as many opportunities as possible. I can't be more thankful for him." Thank you Coach Nash, for all you do in NDP Athletics! 

Out of the three types of throwers there is discus, shot put, and javelin. Diego does all three of these categories and is joined by fellow throwing teammates who have built great friendships. He says, "Everyone who throws is part of our little family and that's what Coach Nash does so well. He brings us all together and we all feel comfortable with each other."

In the future Diego does want to throw in college: "University of Oregon is known for its incredible track and field. But that is a stretch and that's going to take a lot of work. So, I've got another year to try and get some sort of recruitment from there. But if not, then my other option would probably be Stanford University. I will be very thankful for whatever I receive." 

Amazing job Deigo! NDP is proud of you!