The thrill of the discus cutting through the hair, flying across the field. The sound of muffled crowds’ cheers fighting the wind for volume. For Sandy High School junior Lander Marak, this feeling has become second nature. Throwing since the sixth grade, his mother was a collegiate thrower, so it’s a given that he has the essence of the sport flowing through his blood.

Marak is ranked first in the Mount Hood Conference for discus and second for shot put. Because of his rank, he was invited to participate in the state track and field championships held at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon on May 26 and 27.

Topping his peers in athleticism is a lot of pressure, especially for someone participating in the sport since the formative middle school years.

“There is a lot of pressure, but what’s helped me a lot is having coaches that have been in that same atmosphere. They are experienced and they know their bodies really well as athletes,” Marak said.
“Sometimes if you have a coach that doesn’t have the experience, they’ll continue to push you until you can’t do it anymore.”

While Marak attributes much of his success to the coaching he receives from the school track and field team, his training extends beyond the high school grounds. Scott Skipper, of the Super Thrower Track Club, has taken Marak under his wing to provide additional guidance and training in a club setting.

“It’s helped a ton being able to go there year-round and work on my technique, especially towards the end of the season with bigger meets and invites, and now districts and state,” he said.

Pushing himself constantly to improve his throwing is no small feat, and certainly one that requires a team backing Marak up.

“My mom throwing in college has pushed me to work towards a college scholarship. And my coach Mackensie Wallen throwing at Concordia, and Scott Skipper at Oregon State, has been a huge inspiration.”
Finding confidence in himself has played a pivotal role in Marak’s success, but there’s a lot more on the line at state.

“I want to bring a good name to my club, to the school. I just really feel like I have a chance to get recognition for myself but also for our coaches and our school and my club,” he said.
Returning to Hayward Field presents an exciting opportunity for Marak, who aims to set a new personal record and secure a prominent position statewide.

“It’s all about the balance — challenging myself while maintaining the energy to perform,” Marak shared. Striking a harmonious equilibrium between the thrill of the sport and the fierce competition is what keeps Marak going.