Gebhardt wins state javelin title

By Scott Baker
Hamburg — For some, a record is nothing more than an obstacle waiting to be overcome.

This is especially true for lifelong Ogdensburg resident and newly-graduated Wallkill Valley Regional High School senior Ryan Gebhardt, who broke the javelin record he set back in April, winning a state title in the process.

A second-generation javelin thrower, winning the New Jersey state title at the Meet of Champions in South Plainfield marks a passing of the torch from father to son.

“My dad was never able to win the state title,” Ryan said. “He probably would have, but he got injured and couldn’t throw his senior year.”

Ryan’s mark of 206 feet and 6 inches — the best throw in New Jersey this season and fifth best in the nation — also bested his father Fred’s best throw of 198 feet and 6 inches, which he set as a junior at Jefferson Township High School during the 1982-83 season.

“To know that I’m better than my dad feels pretty special,” Ryan quipped.

Each of Ryan’s three throws at the Meet of Champions was a personal record, and each broke the school record he previously set earlier this season. His series included throws of 190 feet, 6 inches and 192 feet 5 inches before his final throw of 206 feet, 6 inches clinched the state championship by more than 10 feet.

Ryan Gebhardt is the first male to win a track and field state championship at Wallkill Valley and just the second track and field state champion in Wallkill Valley history, the last being female javelin thrower Stacie Gado, who won the state title in 1993.

He will be compete at two events this summer before continuing his javelin career at the University of Rhode Island in the fall, where he will be studying physics.