Lakewood grad competes in World University Games

A standout from his days competing on the Lakewood track and field team, Michael Torie has taken his talent to the next level.

Also a high school football co-captain and wrestling athlete, Torie continued competing in the shot put and discus at Lindenwood University in Missouri, where he has racked up four conference championships and contributed to the men’s track team which has won Heart of America Athletic Conference championships in either indoor or outdoor track every year since he joined the team in 2005. This spring, he placed third in the discus at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics nationals meet and was named an all-American athlete.

But there was more.

“After that, the university was contacted by the U.S. track and field team and they selected Michael to represent the United States in the World University Games,” said his mom, Jodi Torie, who still lives and works in the Arlington area.

At the Belgrade, Serbia games, which ran July 1-12, Torie placed 21st in the shot put and 12th in the discus. His best throws in each event came in preliminaries. Breaking his own personal record by 10 feet, Torie had a best mark of 58.31 meters — about 191-4 — in the discus on July 10, the best throw by a Lindenwood athlete in school history. Torie was fifth overall in the discus coming out of prelims, competing against five Olympians and multiple national champions.

Torie’s best throw in the shot put was 14.79 meters, or about 48-6.

His senior year in high school, Torie went to the state track and field meet for Lakewood, placing second in the shot put, but scratching on all his attempts in the discus, his better event.

“I do remember his senior year that he had made some marked improvements, primarily because he became really focused on his events and worked out harder. He was one of the best in the state and his attitude toward the sport was very positive,” said Torie’s high school coach, Jeff Sowards. “He may be the first collegiate all-American to come out of Lakewood.”

The grandson of Marysville residents Rosalie Torie, Jim and Sandra Matheson and Richard Wilkins, Torie will graduate from Lindenwood with a B.A. in physical education with a minor in nutrition.

“From what they’re telling me, if he places well, this could lead to sponsorships where he could compete professionally. That is what his dream is,” his mother added. “If that happens, he’ll try to take a shot at the 2012 Olympics in London.”

Contact Marysville Globe Sports Reporter Danielle Szulczewski at dszulczewskir@marysvilleglobe.com or 360-659-1300.

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