One after the other, iron orbs are hurled through the air, creating an arc before landing with a shallow thud on the ground below. The athletes knew from the second the iron ball left her hand that their combined throws would make school history.

The Girls’ indoor track’s shot put team finished this year with record breaking performances and an overall incredible season.

Physical education teacher Mike Bower, the shot put head coach, spoke on his coaching philosophy and shared his views on shot put from a psychological and educational standpoint. “The thing about shot put is, you need a lot of patience, but you make it fun, you make it intriguing, you make it exciting. I like to bring the intellectual part to shot put and this draws students in.”

Girls’ indoor track’s shot put team made headlines during the state relays Sunday, Jan. 23, as senior Julia Tulimieri, sophomore Skye Petrie-Cameron, and junior Lily Siegelman threw for a combined 108 feet, which shattered the previous record held by Brockton in 1990.

According to Petrie-Cameron, the accomplishment still feels surreal. “Breaking the record was mind blowing and it felt amazing knowing that my teammates and I worked so hard to make history together as a team, ” said Petrie-Cameron. “It feels good knowing success happens when you least expect it.”

“With the girls shot put team we accomplished every single goal that we had this year,” said Bower. “They broke the girls indoor state relay record, which is really impressive.”

Petrie-Cameron with a throw of 40 feet, eight inches and Tulimieri with a throw of 39 feet, achieved the top two throws in the state, leading North to a commanding win in the State Relays. 

According to the players, the team’s and coaching staff’s good spirit has been supportive throughout the season.

“We all push each other to succeed and be the best we can be,” said Siegelman. “Personally I would not have been able to improve as an athlete this season without our supportive environment. I’m thankful for Coach Bower who is an awesome technical shot put coach, but he also encourages us, pushes us, and empowers everyone who throws.”

“The culture of the shot put team is encouraging and amazing, ” said Petrie-Cameron, “Coach Bower has taught me to be the best athlete and teammate I can be.”