Following his father’s footsteps

Spotlight

James River High's Austin Hersh has already set, reset and reset, again, the school record.

Now he's in hot pursuit of a "family record."

The Rapids senior is a second generation discus chucker and son of 1980 Olympics qualifier Scott Hersh.

"I think Austin has an inner drive to get where his father was; it's healthy competition," said JRHS throwing coach Adam Moss.

Austin, a brawny 6-2, 220-pound all-Dominion District linebacker, first set the Rapids' discus standard last spring with a 153-1, good for sixth place at the state meet.

That came in his fourth meet following shoulder/labrum surgery.

A fully rehabilitated Hersh this spring stretched his mark to 158-6 at the Manchester Relays on March 28.

On April 1 at Clover Hill, Hersh launched terrific throws of 168-7, 168-4, 168-3, 164-4 - the best series locally in decades. On April 4, he placed second at the Florida Relays in Gainesville with a toss of 165-11.

Still, he has a ways to go to catch pop.

Scott Hersh, general manager for Panera Bread, threw 187 feet at Fort Lee, N.J., to win the '75 state title.

He later tossed 193 feet at Arizona State, in '79, the third-best throw in Sun Devils' history.

The elder Hersh qualified in Tel Aviv for the Israeli Olympic team, but the '80 Moscow Games were boycotted by Israel.

"I was one of eight Americans to try out," recalled Scott Hersh. "I worked and slept in Israel and maintained residency. After the boycott, I came home."

Hersh has since passed the mantel to his son.

"I tell Austin never be satisfied," said Scott, who videotapes most meets.

Austin is much aware of his dad's feats.

"I've seen the scrapbooks," he said. "My goals are to throw 180 feet-plus, and win states."

That's setting a high bar, but he's getting there.

The 168-7 at Clover Hill is best in the state this year and ranks 25th nationally, according to Milesplit.com.

"Austin doesn't talk much; he lets his actions speak," says Moss. "What sets him apart is his work ethic. He attacks every practice, every workout."

Scott Hersh introduced his son to the discus circle. Moss, who previously tutored many shot put/discus champions at Hermitage, has added polish.

"I'm lucky to have the best coaching team around," said Austin, who precedes each throw by spitting onto his right hand for a better grip.

As a younger boy, Hersh was more excited about baseball than track. It wasn't until he was cut from the James River JV team in eighth grade that he focused on the disc.

Both parents - Scott and Joanna (Costa Rica native who teaches at James River) were present for the 168-7 fling at Clover Hill.

Austin felt he missed an opportunity for 180-plus on a thrower-friendly course sloping downhill.

His throws, while prodigious, were sliced to the right.

With a laugh, Hersh said:

"If I'd caught dad's record today, he'd have probably hung it over my head."