First Highland Games Competition

**jgorley** · 11th June 08, 04:15 PM

I was fortunate enough to compete in my first highland games this past weekend in Bellingham, Washington. It was an amazing time. This is the first time I have competed in any sporting event, outside of golf, since junior high school. I am 31 years old, if that helps judge the time. I happened upon a couple training about 2 months ago in a local park. Me being the social person I am, walked up and introduced myself. They have been my coaches since. I am more than fortunate to have access to all of the throwing equipment. During practice I use the 56# weights for height and distance. Since this was my first games, I was registered as a novice and used the master's weights. Lets say I will most likely be a B class at my next games. My scores were enough to get "Athlete of the Day, Novice", that is 1st place overall out of 11 competitors. Here were my scores: 20# Sheaf 18'/1st place 42# Weight for Height 14'/1st place 42# Weight for Distance 31'/1st place 28# Weight for Distance 48'/1st place 16# Hammer 78'/4th place 16# Open Stone 32'/4th place 15' 75# Caber 11:30, 85 degree no turn, and 12:00/3rd place In practice I throw the 56# WFH 12' and the 56# WFD 26'. I was too busy competing to get a lot of pictures, but I will try and post some as soon as possible. I am looking forward to the Prosser, Washington games on 6-21-08. Hope to see some of you there!

**Yaish** · 11th June 08, 05:24 PM

Outstanding numbers, definitely in the B's. You'll be pretty competitive in that class too I think.

What are your coaches names? Mike and Mandy by any chance?

**jgorley** · 12th June 08, 09:55 AM

Their names are John and Breanne out of Kelso, Washington. I was extremely lucky to run into them by chance. John ranks top 30 on NASGAWEB, and Breanne ranks top 25 for women.

**Jack Daw** · 12th June 08, 10:20 AM

Guys like you are the backbone of what are generically called, "the games". Congrats!

**12stones** · 12th June 08, 10:33 AM

Congrats on the accomplishment. Only two months of training? You'll be a bear to beat if you keep up with it.

**Yaish** · 12th June 08, 12:02 PM

Ah, I competed with John at the Arizona Games, I just can't remember which one he was. He's an A and I'm a B, but we threw in the same flight.

duchessofnc · 12th June 08, 12:18 PM

Congrats! Highland Games are awesome.. and highly addictive.

**jgorley** · 12th June 08, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by Yaish

Ah, I competed with John at the Arizona Games, I just can't remember which one he was. He's an A and I'm a B, but we threw in the same flight.

One of the nicest guys, but is very serious when he throws. He is about 28, crew cut, 6' athletic guy with a bit o' chin scruff. I am sure he will be happy that I describe him as such.

Like I said, I am lucky!

**Arizona Scot** · 12th June 08, 02:25 PM

Well good on ya sir, sounds as if you had a terrific first outing. Now just stay with it. I have recently been bitten by the competition bug and I am training for my first games in Nov. hopefully I can do half as good as you.