Track: Nick Ponzio records stunning shotput of 69-7 1/4

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Never has a Southern Section shotputter pulled off what Nick Ponzio of Temecula Great Oak did on Thursday during a dual meet at Murrieta Mesa.

His shotput of 69 feet 7 1/4 inches is No. 3 all-time in California history and No. 1 by a Southern Section athlete. The previous Southern Section best was 69-6 1/2 by Brian Bluetrich of Capistrano Valley in 1985.

Ponzio’s previous best was 60-11.

‘It was a monster PR,’ Coach Doug Soles said.

Ponzio had repeatedly fouled during the Arcadia Invitational and the Mt. SAC Relays trying to record a top effort. Soles had been trying to get him to relax, and Ponzio showed what he could do.

-- Eric Sondheimer