Strength is certainly a factor when it comes to the throwing events at a track meet, but it’s not the only factor. Technique is important as well, but it often takes some time before young athletes completely grasp that concept.

Gorham’s Andy Nash has worked on his technique and has seen the results in recent meets. The junior, who finished fifth at last year’s Class B state outdoor meet in the shot put and eighth in the discus, won both events at Gorham’s first outdoor meet in Class A, topping several opponents who bettered him in the shot put at the state indoor meet.

“They’re some pretty good athletes,” said Nash, “and it’s exciting to be ahead of the game this early in the season.”

Working with track coach John Wilkinson, Nash said he is “getting back to basics” and learning to “be patient” with his throws.

“It’s not all about how hard you can push the shot put. It comes from the legs. For me, it’s squaring off that’s given me that extra couple feet that I was lacking,” Nash said. “In discus, people think the faster you spin, the farther the discus will go. What I did was slow down and when I came around on the last spin, that’s when I excelled.”

At last Tuesday’s meet at Kennebunk, Nash hurled the shot 44 feet, 10.5 inches for the top spot. He threw the discus 132 feet, 3 inches, almost 10 feet better than his nearest competitor.

The Rams topped the hosts as well as Thornton Academy and Cheverus at the meet. The boys lone home meet is scheduled for May 11.