SIOUX FALLS — Ethan Watson won one for White River. 

The White River High School senior captured the Class B boys shot put title on Thursday, securing a rare track and field title for a school known for basketball. 

“It’s a blessing and I am glad to win it for White River,” Watson said. “We haven’t won a state title in a long time and I just decided to come out here and show out for White River and then just bring home the title; bring home the gold.” 

Watson, who finished third last season in Class B, earned the state title with a heave of 58-feet and three-inches. He finished ahead of his Region 7B counterpart, Kadoka Area’s Lincoln Koehn (52-0), for the championship. 

“It’s great competition,” Watson said. “These guys put in the hard work, all eight of them. I have a lot of respect for them — the throws community. It’s just a good atmosphere.”

Watson and Koehn throwers have battled it out in recent years, with Watson edging Koehn on the state’s biggest stage. 

“He’s brought out the best in me these two years,” Watson said. “It’s just a good competition. He’s a good kid. He throws far and I competed with him all year back and forth and I am glad to see him on the podium with me.”

White River's Ethan Watson won the Class B boys shot put title on Thursday in Sioux Falls. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

Watson’s 58-3 toss was on his third throw of the prelims, after he threw 52-3.75 and 56-0.5. Watson’s third throw was the result of zeroing in on his technique, he said. 

“Just making sure I am hitting my points and stuff like that, and just making sure I am focused and locked in,” Watson said about the throw.

Watson will compete at Dakota Wesleyan University next season. 

“I am looking forward to it,” Watson said. “I am looking to compete at the national level, go after that title my freshman year.” 

Watson will also compete in the discus at the state meet, along with Koehn, who has the best mark in the field.