2007 Indoor MOC Alleman wins

Showing an innate ability to ascend as the level of competition toughened, Scotch Plains Fanwood Junior Mike Alleman completed his inexorable climb to become the state’s best shot putter by winning the Meet of Champions last Sunday at the John Bennett Complex in Toms River.

Alleman’s throw of 59-3 came on his final attempt in the trials and held up as the winning mark, which makes him the first indoor Meet of Champions winner for Scotch Plains since Renaldo Nehemiah captured the hurdles in 1977.

“I love the competition. There were a lot of great throwers there that could have beaten me if I didn't throw my best. I get excited and at the same time I get nervous because I know those guys can have a big throw at any time. I think being nervousness adds to the adrenaline,” said Alleman.

Pre meet favorite Steve DArcy of Hanover Park, the indoor and outdoor Meet of Champions winner last year, was second at 57-6¼, and Vinnie Elardo of Lacey was third at 57-1½.
Elardo, second to Alleman in the Group 3 meet the week before, had surpassed Alleman’s throw from the state Group 3 championships on February 18 when he threw 60-6.earkier last week.
But Alleman, who first burst on the state scene last June with a surprise second place finish in the Meet of Champions has been on a roll lately and surpassed 59 feet for the second straight week.

In a magical two hour period the week before, Alleman had ended a throwing slump, won his first state championship, broke a long time school record and uncorked the furthest throw in the state to that point.

Alleman unloaded a tremendous throw of 59-6¼ on his final attempt to win the shot put at the NJSIAA/Star-Ledger Group 3 Track and Field Championships. Alleman's previous best of 56-11¼ came at the Drew Invitational on Dec. 29 and he had struggled recently to exceed 56 feet.
“I didn't see 59 coming at all. I've been in a rut for a while, so I didn't know what was going to happen. I knew that I was going to have to throw my best or better if I wanted to win. It was a do or die situation,” said Alleman, whose series was 55ft 4 inches, 56ft 9 inches, 58ft 2 inches, foul, 59ft 1 inch, and 59ft 6 1/4inches
Alleman had been working hard to improve imperfections in his form.

“I have been working on my speed and timing, trying to get my body used to going fast while being able to keep my technique. I've been weightlifting a lot, trying to get my legs stronger and more explosive,” said Alleman.

And the record is icing on the cake.
“It’s a great feeling to know that I have left my mark in school history
With all of the good throwers that have gone to this school it’s an honor to have the record