Cameron Turner Photo

NORWICH – The Norwich High School will have one representative in the shot put event for this year’s 2016 New York State Championships for Outdoor Track and Field.

Senior, Thomas Reilly, has burst onto the scene in record fashion to become a state caliber thrower, as he currently ranks in the top three for division II in the state, and top eight overall out of division I and II.

Norwich's head coach was asked if Reilly could be named the second best thrower in Norwich’s history. To which coach Horan and a nearby Coach Curley answered with a resounding “Yes, yes he is.”

Reilly just recently posted his personal best throw in his high school career last week at the state qualifier meet in Vestal.

Reilly would throw a 54' shot put for the ultimate win, defeating the next best thrower at the meet by three whole feet, notably that next best throw came from an athlete who had just hit a five foot personal best to reach that mark.

“He is the most pumped up I have ever seen him,” said Horan.

This will mark Reilly's first trip to states in Outdoor Track and Field – as well as the first male athlete from Norwich to go to states for a throwing event in more than twenty years. Reilly impressively has competed in the NYS Championships for Indoor Track and Field this past winter season, something Reilly noted might help him prepare for this new experience.