By MARK MOLINA
Staff Writer
SAN BENITO — For San Benito junior shot putter John Belmares, qualifying for his first UIL state track and field meet is not just a personal accolade.
It’s an accomplishment that carries weight for a few reasons.
Belmares’ gold medal in the shot put at the Regional IV-6A meet not only made him the first state qualifier San Benito has had since 1997, but his throw of 56-02 broke Lee Trevino’s school record of 53-2.5 set that same year.
“It’s a great feeling to know that I have made it this far,” Belmares said. “It’s what I’ve been working towards this year.”
The last state qualifier was current San Benito current girls track coach Danny De La Rosa, who went on to win the state title in the 800-meter run.
With all eyes on him trying to bring home a state track and field title for the first time in 18 years, Belmares hasn’t been fazed at all according to first-year boys track coach Moses Cantu.
He thinks Belmares is just of a different, quieter breed of athlete and does his talking during competition.
“John is a different guy. He’s not very animated and what you see is what you get,” Cantu said. “He’s a competitor at heart. When he throws you can see the intensity is there, but he’s not very animated. It’s okay, because he knows what he needs to do to be
successful.”
It’s not just his soft-spoken exterior and humbleness that makes Cantu think highly of Belmares.
Cantu has had throwers make it to state during coaching stints at other schools, but feels Belmares is above the others he has coached in the past.
“John’s a consistent athlete when it comes to preparation. It’s an honor to be his coach,” Cantu said. “He’s the third shot putter I’ve ever coached that has gone to the state meet, but he’s the most explosive and most powerful one I’ve had; his upside is huge and I’m exciting.
“Hopefully we’ve done well for the community and the program so that we can continue to build on success.”
Belmares’ upside is an exciting thing to think about for the San Benito program with his senior year still remaining.
With that safety net, the junior thrower knows that the pressure isn’t on him to medal or peak this year; he just hopes to control what he can at as the competition level elevates this weekend.
“I’m expecting better competition and I need to go out and just work,” Belmares said. “It’s about coming out here to prepare. Yes, I’m nervous for the meet, but I have to go out and compete against myself and not worry about anyone else.”
“I know that no matter what happens this year, I still have a lot in me.”
Belmares will throw at 7 p.m. at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin Friday.