SIOUX FALLS — Platte-Geddes’ Lee Reiser went above and beyond his expectations this season.

The junior thrower set a goal to reach 45 feet in the shot put this season and hit just 40 feet, 9 inches in his first outdoor meet of the season. 

During the season, he gradually progressed and his 44-9 in his second meet and later reached 47 feet in practice. He inched closer to 50 feet during the season and was among the top-five throwers late in the season. 

On Friday, Reiser punctuated his ascending season with a state championship in the Class B shot put. 

“It’s crazy,” Reiser said. “A lot of hard work goes into everything and it pays off. I am really happy and proud.”

Reiser finished with a toss of 54-8 at Howard Wood Stadium. The mark furthered his school record that he set earlier this season. 

“The start of the season I wanted to hit 45 was my goal,” Reiser said. “I got almost 10 feet further. I am really happy with it.”

Reiser entered the event with the second-best mark (51-7.50). Herreid/Selby Area’s Brenden Begeman had the top mark entering the event at 52-2. 

Reiser heaved his 54-8 mark on his first throw of the day and that helped him ease into the competition. 

“It was amazing because then you don't have to worry as much,” Reiser said. “But then that other kid (Bridgewater-Emery’s Lucas Mentele) I was afraid he might pop one on me, too. But it was awesome.”