When I first started throwing in the Scottish Highland Games, I didn’t account for a lot of things. I had no idea to the amount of hours I would spend throwing in a field. I had no idea how many times I’d run through technique in my mind or mimic throws in my kitchen. I had no idea the sheer rush of adrenaline after a 12:00 throw or a big throw in the last round. This new world of throwing proved to be far more than I dreamed, and the experiences far more vast.
When I turned pro in 2007, Natalie, my wife, as ked me what I wanted to get out of being a “pro” and how long I wanted to do it. My goal, at the time, was pretty simple – have a blast throwing against the best this country has to offer. You see, at the time I had no grand plans of pursuing this at the international level as I figured I lacked the ability to do so.
In the fall of 2007 we discussed the length of my professional career, and, I asked Natalie for five years as a pro. I wanted to qualify for Nationals and compete as best I could for those five years. Fast forward 10 years, and I’m on five years of borrowed time.
In respect for my family and the sacrifices they’ve made through the years for me, I’ve decided that 2017 will be my final season in the Highland Games. Now, I’m not done lifting and training – far from it. For the past 23 years, I’ve been throwing something, and training to throw it as far as possible, and it’s time for me to leave my cleats on the field.
I have plans to pursue some other goals and I’ll outline those after this season, but for now, I’m focused on closing out my final season on a high note. I’ll be competing in the below schedule and working to win as many comps as I can.
August 5 – Detroit Highland Games
September 2 – World Championships, Hank, Holland
September 9 – Long’s Peak Highland Games, Estes Park, CO
September 16, 17 – New Hampshire Highland Games, Loon Mountain, NH
September 23, 24 – Celtic Classic, Bethlehem, PA
The Celtic Classic will be my final time throwing, and I’m sure a very emotional couple of days as I close this chapter of my life at one of my favorite places to throw. This journey has been an amazing one, and I’m so thankful for the experiences God has blessed me with, and the people He has brought into my life through this sport. I’ve grown so much over the years, and God has taught me so much about life and people through this sport, but this chapter needs to end as a new one begins for me and my family. This journey has been far beyond my expectations and dreams; thank you all for being a part of it, and I look forward to many years of friendship ahead.
John Lang
It was wonderful that you were able to stop by Paul Ferency’s house and see Paul. It has been a tough time for him and I am sure your visit and praying for him cheered him up immensely. All the best to you as you begin a new chapter in your life.
Mauricio Vivallo
I’ve never had the pleasure to see you live on the field, just by videos, and I suppose I’ll never see you, due to the distance of our countries and this is your final year. You became one of my heroes since I started competing in Highland Games (2015), and I saw one of your videos about caber tossing technique. It’s very sad reading I’ll never have the honour to compete against you in any Highland Games version. Next April 7th (2018) Francis Brebner will come to Chile, we’ll organize our first IHGF Highland Games, so if you and your lovely family are planning to take some vacations, please choose Chile as your destination, we’ll be very pleased to have an emminence as you here. A hug Guy of Girth, and thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent with us simple mortals
Lance Creed
We are losing one of the greats! Thank you for sharing so much with our little community – from the training and throwing tips to the humor you share, it’s appreciated by all of us. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Teresa Merrick
You have always been a true sportsman and an all-around great guy: humble, approachable, and always encouraging! I am also honored to know you. My best wishes to you and your entire family as you go forward.
Roland Drummond
Thank you for everything – the show, the encouragement, the wisdom and advice to Jesse, the Godly example… God’s richest blessings to you and your family. I am and always have been honored to know you.