Maplewood's Clemson shatters record in discus

The Maplewood senior fired the discus 157-1 to eclipse the previous Division III state record of 150-8.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
DAYTON -- Maplewood senior Christen Clemson and Warren JFK junior Michelle Rossio hang out together. They eat at Steak and Shake together. They go nail polish shopping together.
They dominate state meets together.
Of course, it wasn't enough for Clemson to just defend her Division III state discus title.
She wanted more. She wanted the state record.
"She's had her eye on that record since she was in ninth grade," her mother, Barb, said. "That was her whole purpose. Today was just the culmination of four years of hard work."
Clemson shattered the discus record at Friday's Division III state track and field meet at Welcome Stadium, throwing 157 feet, 1 inch to break the previous meet record of 150-8, set in 1986.
Rossio took second with a throw of 144-1.
Past and future
"The throw felt really good," Clemson said. "It was fundamentally perfect. I've improved tremendously over the past year, and I've had a whole year to mature."
Clemson -- who was wearing Penn State shorts during the event -- will throw the shot, discus and javelin at Penn State next year.
Some of Clemson's family members were wearing bright blue T-Shirts with "Clem's Pit Crew" printed in white letters on the back. They got the idea from seeing similar shirts at state last year.
"I love it; I think it's fun," Clemson said of the shirts. "My family has been everywhere to support me. Whether it's an hour and 40 minutes away or 10 minutes away, they're there. They cater to me."
Added Barb with a laugh, "My job is to provide money, give her something to eat and wash uniforms."
Now her daughter is moving on to a bigger stage.
"I can't put into words all the emotions going through my mind," Barb Clemson said. "It's almost bittersweet because this is her last high school throw, and when she takes off that uniform after the shot [Saturday], that's it. But it's a great accomplishment and we know even better things are ahead."
Strong performance
And not just for Clemson.
Rossio threw a personal best 144-1 -- more than eight inches in front of her next closest competition. She has also improved after finishing seventh last year.
"This is overwhelming," Rossio said. "I wasn't as nervous as last year and it's been more fun. I've been working harder and training harder. And everywhere I go, Christen's right there. She gives me a target to chase after."
Next year, she won't be there.
"She'll be missed," Rossio said. "I won't have her there to push me."
But she also won't have her there to beat her. Has she thought about winning it next year?
"It's a year away," she said, smiling. "But anything can happen."
scalzo@vindy.com