Charleston’s Stout places 6th in state for the shot put

Story and Photos by Dominic Baima

Charleston senior Alex Stout returned to the IHSA State Track and Field meet for the second year in a row, this year for a different event and a different outcome.

Stout’s shot put throw of 15.43m during his third throw Friday during the semifinals secured his spot in Saturday’s finals at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Field.

*Charleston senior Alex Stout competes in the IHSA State Track and Field Semifinals Friday at O’Brien Field. (Photo/Dominic Baima)*

Stout would throw 13.83m for his first throw followed by 15.83m and 15.87m to place sixth overall in the Class 2A Championship, earning him a spot on the podium.

“It’s kind of sad, but also happy,” said Stout after receiving his medal when asked about this being his final meet as a Charleston Trojan.

“I’ll miss it,” he added.

Charleston senior Alex Stout competes in the IHSA State Track and Field Championship Saturday at O’Brien Field. Stout’s longest throw of 15.87m put him in 6th place. (Photo/Dominic Baima)

Mattoon senior Aija Mosley also competed Friday during the Class 2A semifinals in the high jump. Mosley would clear 1.80m on his first attempt. Mosley couldn’t clear the 1.85m during his three attempts at that height so Mosley tied for 18th place and did not advance to Saturday’s finals.