Schirg focuses on shot put

Gabriella Schirg is ready to finish strong. The Perkins senior is one of the top shot put athletes in the state. A final trip to the track & field state meet that takes place June 4-7 at Jesse Owens Stadium on the campus of Ohio State University is within her reach. "One thing that has really been motivating me this season is getting back down to Jesse Owens in June," Schirg said. "Also, not caring about what anyone else throws and just always trying to beat myself." Schirg has the third-best shot put mark in Division III for girls. Her top throw of 42 feet, 4.5 inches ranks only behind Perry's Emily Mechenbier (48-7.25) and Maysville's Isabella Van Wey (45-0.25). Schirg's top throw came in a dual against Clyde on April 21. "The beginning of the season I came out strong after coming off of a good indoor season," Schirg said. "I threw a PR three meets in a row. But after the Clyde dual, we had the Comet Relays, where I struggled a little bit but was able to come out with a disc and a shot win." Schirg noticed something after the Comet Relays. Her circle in the shot was being bothered by the discus circle being a lot different. She had a top throw of 123-5 in the discus, but had to put it down for her true love. "I did have some success with the disc this year," Schirg said. "In previous years, I wasn't the best at disc. Ultimately, I had to put down the disc due to it starting to mess up my shot. Shot to me is most important since it's the event I love most." Schirg has been pretty consistent with her shot throws. She's been between 38-11 and the best mark of 42-4.5 all season. She was the Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division shot champion last week. That meet taking place at Perkins meant a little more. "It meant so much to me," Schirg said. "It was my last-ever high school conference meet. But, it was my last meet at my home ring. So, being able to win the SBC title at my home ring made it feel even more special. "It felt special to have my family there to watch me become a two-time SBC champion. Another thing is that I realized that I will be the last ever SBC (Lake) champion." Schirg finished fifth at state last year with a top throw of 41-4. Schirg said mental toughness is one of the hardest parts of track and field. "Trying to keep yourself together, even when there was one tiny thing wrong in your circle or anything within your throw (is important)," Schirg said. "It's just as important as your technique." Schirg said staying in the weight room has helped her become a better shot putter. She'll be at the track Thursday at Oak Harbor as the Division III district meet begins. "Another thing for me is active recall and constant reps to help me feel the correct movement in the circle," Schirg said. Schirg intends on keeping her high school career alive through the first weekend in June, but reality is setting in that the time she has left in high school is slipping away. "It's scary to think about moving forward with my throwing career at the next level," Schirg said. "But I'm also excited to see what I can do. Perkins track and field has been a big part of my life. I am going to miss being a Pirate." Schirg will continue her collegiate career at the University of Akron next season. She plans to study Exercise Science. "Akron to me felt like the right place because it felt like home," Schirg said. "When I went to watch practice during my visit, everyone was so supportive of each other. The coach made me feel comfortable and explained to me what his plans will be for me in my college career. He was also supportive of all of his athletes. "At that moment, it made me realize Akron was the best fit for me."