KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Harlingen South Senior thrower Andrew Ott secured his college future by signing his letter of intent to Kansas State University to compete in the shot put Monday afternoon.
“This has always been a goal of mine,” Ott said. “We have such a great tradition here at South; it is a blessing to be able to play at the next level.”
As a sophomore, Ott brought home the district title, finished as a runner-up in the 31/31-6A area meet and finished fifth at the Region IV-6A meet.
As a junior, Ott finished as a runner up at the district meet and was able to bring home an area crown.
Ott also set a shot put record for Harlingen South as a sophomore, throwing 54-feet even.
“It is very special time in the Valley for those specific events and the way the fans go out and support the athletes,” South coach Ralph De La Rosa said. “Andrew has had a huge impact on that, and now he gets to do it at Kansas State.”
Ott was able to set an area-meet record previously held by San Benito’s John Belmantes. Ott capped off his junior year by placing third at the regional meet.
“I feel more pressure than anything,” Ott said. “I’m throwing for my livelihood, because I’m away from home. This was a more costly decision than some other schools. I have to hit a big mark to make this school a permanent option. So I really am throwing for my livelihood so it really depends on me doing everything I can to get to where I need to be.”
Ott joins the list of recent South track athletes to sign on at a division I program. Earlier in the year, Chase Herrell inked his name at the University of Houston and last year, Sky Tatum took his talents to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
“Andrew has been a prime example of hard work and dedication can do for an athlete,” De La Rosa said. “He and his teammates have brought the throwing events to the forefront.”
Ott plans to major in Civil Engineering.
“The facility’s at Kansas State are phenomenal, they are optimal and can grow and have great athletes,” Ott said. “I will have big shoes to fill when I get there, I think that will be the toughest challenge. It will be tough and I will have to work twice as hard on the little things and getting more into my diet and the recovery.”