BERKELEY — Some strange things can happen in Berkeley. Just ask former Clear Lake High School track star Mike Curry, now a standout performer in the Masters Division on the U.S. Track and Field Association circuit.
Curry, who recently turned 40, literally brought the competition to a screeching halt during a meet Feb. 17 in Berkeley, where he tossed the 35-pound weight more than 13 meters.
And yep, that”s a big, big deal.
Curry”s spectacular toss of 13.18 meters broke the All-American standard for 40-year-olds competing in the U.S. Track and Field Association, which is 13 meters even.
“Basically the standard is there to separate the good throwers from the elite throwers in the Masters Division,” said Curry, who added that the 35-pound weight is a specialty event even among field performers because it”s difficult and even a little dangerous to throw.
Curry”s winning throw even caught the veteran hammer, shotput, discus and javelin thrower off guard.
“It was really kind of unexpected,” Curry said. “It was only my second meet of the season. It was a tuneup meet for me and it just happened.”
Meet officials were caught off-guard, too, not expecting anyone to reach that distance, according to Curry.
Before Curry”s throw could be declared official, it had to be measured and verified by a host of officials.
“They (officials) stopped the meet to bring out a steel tape and measure it because they didn”t have one (steel tape) with them. The officials got together, talked about it and had to sign off on it,” Curry said. “Obviously they weren”t expecting anyone to throw it that far either.”
The holdup caused some events to be delayed.
“There were some people who were kind of mad,” Curry said. “They had to wait around.”
Curry”s first competition of the season, also at Berkeley on Feb. 3, saw him throw the 35-pound weight 12.65 meters.
“I”ve been working real hard trying to get it together,” Curry said.
For achieving the All-American standard, Curry will be honored at the end of the track season.
“I might throw it even farther at some point (this season), so they”ll wait until after the season is over,” Curry said.
