Garrett Singletary throws the Javelin. He practices at the local park after school. He's never had a coach and trains by watching YouTube videos and comparing video of his throws to the technique of others. He will be the first to admit it's not easy, but he is determined to be at the top of his game.
"I started when I was around 15 and have competed in around 15 meets or so winning most of the local meets and placing fourth at J.O's as well as second at Club Nationals. I just recently placed second at BAYTAF with a new personal best of 187-2."
Singletary, a senior at Tampa Jesuit played football and ran cross country for the Tigers, in addition to participating in track and field. In Florida, as well as most states in the country the Javelin is considered dangerous and banned from high school athletics. His throws coach at school had experience in the shot put and discus, not the javelin. He says not being able to throw at school is definitely a disadvantage.
"It makes it harder because they get to train for seven months, have a coach, and get to practice it every day. I have to train for track and then throw after. Most nights I am practicing until seven or eight at night. Also, summer meets are either at the start or middle of the season for me where most athletes that throw are peaking at the end of their season over summer."
This weekend Singletary will fly to Greensboro, North Carolina for the New Balance Outdoor Nationals. What is one of the biggest obstacles he will face? How about getting a javelin, which resembles a spear, on an airplane.
"Trying to fly gets tricky sometimes. I usually Fed Ex it or something a week or two earlier. It's only $10 which is a lot better than the $100 the airlines try to charge."
Once he touches down in the Tarheel State it will be business as usual. Singletary says his strength is his explosiveness, but he still has room for improvement on his technique and form. He knows the level of competition he will be up against but it doesn't bother him.
"I'm looking forward to competing against such great throwers. My goal is to reach 200 feet. I can't let these big throws get to my head. I need to do what I have worked hard to do."
He plans to attend Florida State in the fall.
"I'm looking forward to the academics, as well as the track team, and becoming a part of the Seminole community."