SIOUX FALLS — Gracelyn Leiseth had a busy, productive and record-setting day. 

The Hamlin thrower competed at two meets, set two personal records and broke a state record at the 97th annual Howard Wood Dakota Relays on Friday.

Leiseth broke the state shot put record at Howard Wood, finishing with a toss of 48-feet and 11 inches. It just clipped the previous record set by Custer’s Kellyn Kortemeyer (48-10.75) from last season. 

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Leiseth said. “I am just thankful for all the support that I have from my coaches and my family and all teammates on my team.”

Leiseth said breaking the record at the prestigious event, which annually draws the region’s top high school athletes, made it even sweeter. 

“It’s super cool,” Leiseth said. “It’s an amazing facility to throw at and a good atmosphere.” 

Leiseth’s record-breaking throw came on her final attempt of the day. She just launched a toss of 46-11.75 before breaking the 48-foot barrier. 

“I just had to put everything together and on that last one, I just threw it as hard as I could,” Leiseth said. “Because I knew I had nothing to lose.” 

Kortemeyer also competed in Friday’s shot put at Howard Wood. The competitors and friends again pushed each other and Kortemeyer finished in second place with a throw of 45-1.25.

Leiseth said competing against the Custer Wildcat pushes her to be her best. 

“It’s actually awesome because she is a great girl,” Leiseth said. “She’s super supportive and she’s very competitive, but she’s just an amazing person and she’s supportive. It helps me be the best me that I can be in my shot and disc.”

Speaking of the discus, Leiseth also competed at the Sioux Falls O’Gorman Invitational earlier in the day. She won the discus throw with a personal record toss of 151-9.

“It was a good day,” she said.