Support for Blewitt begins locally

The former Boardman track standout needs help for an Olympic team berth.

By TOM WILLIAMS

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

BOARDMAN — It’s easy to understand why autumn doesn’t produce the fondest memories for former Boardman High athlete Adrianne Blewitt.

Four years ago this month, Blewitt’s dreams of competing as a shot putter in the 2004 Olympics were dealt a severe setback when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease.

After undergoing surgery and six months of chemotherapy, Blewitt resumed training.

Despite the health scare, the former Ashland University All-American finished fifth in the U.S. Olympic tryouts in June 2004. (The top three represented the U.S. at the Athens Games.)

Blewitt’s dream of competing among the world’s elite athletes is far from over.

As she trains for next summer’s U.S. Olympic tryouts, her top supporters from her hometown are launching a campaign seeking financial contributions to help make that dream come true.

Gorski heads up campaign

Denise Gorski, Boardman High’s veteran track coach, is spearheading the “Be a Blewitt Backer” campaign. Donations will be used to help defray Blewitt’s expenses over the next 10 months, including professional coaching fees, training equipment and health insurance.

That Blewitt hasn’t lost her desire to devote her life to training is remarkable.

Asked if she ever came close to retiring from athletics, the 1998 Boardman graduate firmly responded, “Never — I am going to be on [an Olympic] team. I’ve trained too hard not to. I just believe in myself.”

Blewitt lives in Scottsdale, Ariz. Her mother, Rae, lives in Boardman. Her father, Rick died about 10 years ago.

“I do most of my training in Tempe at [Arizona State University] or in Mesa,” said Blewitt, whose best throw is 60 feet one-quarter inch. She’s one of 13 American women to reach 60.

Blewitt’s coach is John Godina, a three-time Olympian. His father, Bill, is her technical coach.

“They have been so amazing,” said Blewitt who once held the NCAA Division II discus record. “John is a multiple world champion, he’s the real deal.

“I just feel so fortunate to go from a four-time Olympian at Ashland in Jud Logan to John Godina, the most decorated shotputter for the U.S.”

Resumed training

After competing at nationals in June, Blewitt took six weeks off to rest, then resumed training five weeks ago.

Blewitt’s training program includes weightlifting on weekdays, throwing four days a week and cardiovascular training.

“Sunday is my day of rest,” Blewitt said.

“Right now, I train between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a little rest and lunch in between.”

After training, she works for a restaurant and teaches classes at a pilates studio.

She’s come a long way back from a most frightening scare.

“Every fall, it’s a little bit of a mental block for me to push through it,” Blewitt said. “It gets tough because I remember how horrible I felt, trying to figure out why I couldn’t train, why I couldn’t get through a workout. And then realizing it’s because [I] had a huge mass in my chest and it’s cancer.

“This year has been better for getting through workouts,” Blewitt said. “It’s not as scary. I’m feeling very healthy and my training is going very well. I’m really looking forward to this season.”

Sights Olympic Trials

For now, Blewitt’s goal to teach is on the sideline. She intends to compete at open collegiate events in January in preparation for the U.S. Olympic Trials next July in Eugene, Ore.

“Training for the Olympics doesn’t pay you anything unless you get there,” Blewitt said. “So I have to have a full-time job on top of my full-time job [training] and it gets tough.”

Gorski said money raised will enable Blewitt to concentrate on training.

Checks may be sent to the Boardman Booster Club earmarked for Adrianne Blewitt fund. The address is Boardman High, 7777 Glenwood Ave., Boardman Ohio 44512.

Blewitt credits her high school coach for her Mahoning Valley support.

“She began this foundation as a fund-raiser,” said Blewitt of Gorski. “It exploded when she talked to a few people around town who knew my story, my family, my goals.

“It’s comforting knowing that the support has continued,” Blewitt said. “People around town ask my Mom how I’m doing. They know I’m away in Arizona but they still want to know how training is going.”

williams@vindy.com