Boys Track and Field. The 100-meter race, the long jump, and the biggest one: the 4×4 relay. These events are what come to mind for many when they think of the sport. The group that often gets overlooked is the throwers. The LFHS throwers are famously known for a few things: running the cookout during the LFHS Invitational Meet, being the loudest during cheers, and throwing pretty far. The man behind the boys throwing team is none other than Maxwell Downey.
Downey threw for the University of Illinois-Chicago during his first two years of college, before transferring to Tulane to complete his university. Downey has had a goal in mind since he became a coach during the 2022-2023 school year: Put some respect on the throwing program.
“I think there’s been more respect put on the throwing program, especially sending two guys to state last year. I feel that has made the program a lot more reputable,” Senior captain Tim Dan said.
Dan also says that the structure of practice has improved dramatically. As Dan has been a thrower for all four years, he had a different coach his freshman year. Dan says that Downey’s organization has been a “strong part of the program.”
“I think the biggest part is the organization aspect. Giving us a plan and an attainable goal day by day is his way of allowing us to be the best we could be,” Dan said.
As Downey is a relatively new coach, problems are likely to arise.
“I think the most difficult thing is just understanding what each athlete needs. Not everyone is built the same way, and not everyone thinks about sports in the same way. I’m of the mindset that even if you’re a big-time thrower or not, you have something of value that you can bring to the team,” Downey said.
As Downey’s experience grows, he ensures that he is learning just as much as the athletes. He says that finding what drives kids to be the best version of themselves is the best way to combat this issue.
“You have to help kids figure out what it is that’s going to make them feel motivated to come, and be a part of something bigger,” Downey said.
Downey hasn’t just improved the distance of the boys’ throws. He has established a different team culture.
“The culture that Coach Max has established has been great. Even on days when I don’t want to come to practice, I know that the strong team atmosphere will motivate me to show up, push through, and give my best. I’m not sure many other coaches are as strong as he is in this regard, ” senior captain Nicholas Nassar said.
Despite losing two outstanding throwers in Nassar and Dan, Downey remains optimistic about next season.
“I’m going to miss those guys (Nassar and Dan), but we’ve got a great batch. We’ve got Marcus Ridgeway, Brandon Weiss, and Gavin Harty, as well as many others, who I’m excited to see throw and grow. I’m just going to continue to be fired up, be myself, and bring my energy to the program, and hopefully guys respond to that, which I have confidence that they will,” Downey said.
With a lot of personal records and a tightly-knit group of guys, it’s clear to see Downey’s impact on the throwers. As the LFHS throwers continue to make noise, both in their cheers and on the scoreboard, Downey’s vision of elevating the program is already a reality.
