Chastulik finally makes it atop the district podium
It's been a long time coming for Kelton Chastulik.
The Chambersburg senior has won four Mid Penn Conference championships in the shot put, but when it comes to District 3, he's never climbed to the top of that blue and white podium at Shippensburg University.
That is, until Friday.
Chastulik crushed the competition with a school record-breaking throw of 61-10.50 to beat the field by more than six feet.
"It's more emotional than anything," Chastulik said. "I knew I could do it. I was really pressing, and coach (Roger) Coleman told me to just go throw."
During trials Chastulik broke his own school record by a quarter of an inch with a final throw of 58-6.25, but the pressure was still on.
As the leader heading into the final round, Chastulik was at a disadvantage watching the other finalists reach PRs and break school records in the final throw of the heat.
"I had more pressure going into the finals because I know all of those guys, and I know they could pop something," Chastulik said. "I know they can hit one and I was really uneasy and I just had to stay within myself."
So he knew he had to do something big.
After the mark was called, Chastulik threw his fists in the air and fell to his knees - knowing he finally won gold.
"I didn't know how far it was, because I didn't get to watch it. When I saw the mark I was like, 'wow'," Chastulik said. "Myles (Braxton) and coach Coleman push me really hard. I really feel good about this, but it's to the coaches for pushing me too."
Chastulik moves on to the PIAA championships next week, against nationally ranked Jordan Geist of Knoch High School and other top talent across the state.
"It's really do or die now," Chastulik said. "This is the last time I get to throw in a high school uniform so I have to go for it. It's going to be hard going up against the No. 1 kid in the nation, but, hey, I can push him. It is do or die for me."