By Ryan Deal

605 Sports

SIOUX FALLS — Brenden Begeman punctuated his decorated career with a state championship. 

The Herreid/Selby Area senior won the Class B shot put with a toss of 51-feet and 9.5 inches, earning his first state championship in his final state track and field meet. 

Begeman’s winning toss pushed him past De Smet’s Damon Wilkinson, who finished second with a mark of 51-4.75. Begeman’s winning mark was on his second throw of the finals, and a loud roar of supporters erupted when the distance was announced. 

“That felt amazing,” Begeman said. “I didn’t even hear exactly what they said for feet and inches. But as soon as I heard ‘new leader’ I freaked out because I was so happy.” 

Prior to his winning launch, Begeman received a pep talk from HSA football coach Clayton Randall. 

“I kind of have been holding back a little bit,” Begeman said. “Because my hamstring was hurting. But my football coach, coach Randall, came over and he talked to me. He gave me a little hype speech and that really moved me.”

Herreid/Selby Area's Brenden Begeman won the Class B state shot put championship on Friday. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)

For Begeman, it accomplished a goal he set out for last season. The multi-sport standout placed fourth last season in the shot put. He set his sights on standing atop the podium this season. 

“It’s 100% been a goal since the day I got fourth,” Begeman said. “That I wanted to come out here and hopefully get first the next year.”

Begeman battled a hamstring injury during the football season and it flared up during the triple jump on Thursday. He had a sleeve on it Friday and said he pushed through the injury during the shot put. 

Begeman, who will play football at South Dakota State University, finished as the state’s all-time leading rusher during the fall. He also played basketball for the Wolverines. 

He’s now got a state championship to resume. 

“It feels great to go out on a state championship,” Begeman said. “I am just thankful for the gifts God has given me and the ability to go out here and do what I did.”