Bischoff gets back to where he belongs

Josh Bischoff had the biggest smile on his face after his last high school meet.

For the second year in a row, the Washougal Panther finished in second place in the discus at the 2A state championship track and field meet Thursday at Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma. Bischoff tossed his favorite toy 158 feet, 1 inch to reclaim his familiar spot on the podium.

“It feels good to prove that I’m the second best thrower in the state,” Bischoff said. “Technique is the biggest thing. It’s not about how big you are, it’s how good of a technique you have.”

Bischoff had a breakthrough performance in the shot put Friday. He chucked that metal ball 50 feet, 5.75 inches on his last throw to earn a fourth-place medal.

“Back-to-back seconds in discus is an incredible feat,” said Washougal throwing coach Chris Martell. “And his final throw in shot is a PR. You can’t ask for anything more than that.”

Martell knew exactly what to say to Bischoff before he stepped into the ring for the last time.

“Think about one thing and just let it go, and that’s what he did,” Martell said. “He thought about that one thing, and just let it rip.”

Bischoff said he focused on pushing through the throw, and getting full extension of his arm.

“I’m really happy to have so much success here,” Bischoff said. “Being with team is what I enjoyed most about state. The events are fun, but the people are the best.”

Bischoff will look back at these three state throwing medals with great pride.

“Always,” he said.

Matt Rotundo notched ninth place for Washougal in the triple jump (41-8.75) and 13th place in the 110-meter hurdles (16.14 seconds).

Aubrey Kraft took ninth place in the discus (134-3).Christina Murray claimed 13th place in the pole vault (9-0). Kirsten De La Rocha settled for 16th place in the girls shot put (29-2.75).