Friday, April 20, 2001
Aiken freshman has bright future in discus
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The word was out about Shanna Dickenson, but only a few track coaches who had seen her perform in junior high believed what they heard. That is, until last week when Dickenson, a 14-year-old Aiken freshman, won the Coaches' Classic discus event with a throw of 142 feet — 20 feet better than the second place finisher.
“I didn't want to throw when I started in track because I preferred running,” Dickenson said. “But Coach (Fred) Hunt (Porter Junior High) insisted. He told me if I threw, I could run.”
It was Hunt's instinct and persistence that may prove instrumental in Dickenson's future success, not only in high school and college but also in international competition.
“I told her family that I look for Shanna, maybe not in 2004, but in 2008 to be in the Olympics,” Hunt said. “When I first saw her, I realized she had the talent to be a champion.”
While at Porter, Dickenson won the public school championships both years in the shot put and discus, outthrowing the boys in every meet.
Day-after-day during practice, Hunt worked on technique with Dickenson, not allowing the 5-foot-9 Dickenson to develop any bad habits.
Jim Engel, coach of the Cincinnati All Stars summer team, agreed Dickenson has a bright future.
“The good thing about Shanna is that she has no bad habits to break,” Engel said. “She is a strong young lady who works hard and has the potential to be a champion.”
Working in the weight room has been another key to Dickenson's success. Three times a week, she lifts weights to build upper body strength, which is important for throwers.
During the past month, Dickenson has changed technique throwing the discus.
“I use to stand to the side and rock back-and-fourth,” Dickenson said. “I now turn my back to where I'm aiming and wheel around and throw. I'm getting more distance this way.”
Dickenson qualified for the national AAU meet in Buffalo last summer but failed to place. She fouled on all four attempts in the first round.
“I threw farther (138 feet) than the girl who won it (118 feet),” Dickenson said. “I'm going back this summer to win the championship.”
In the classroom, Dickenson is also a champion.
“I've had all A's except for maybe one B,” Dickenson said. “Sometimes I'd like to clown around in the classroom, but I know better. I still have fun, but learning is important to my future.”
This summer Dickenson has been selected for a six-week math and science seminar at Berea (Ky.) College for gifted students.
“I imagine I'll be able to practice while at Berea,” Dickenson said. “But before I go, I'd like to win the state championship.”
Melissa Bickett, a senior at Richfield Revere, won the 2000 state championship with a throw of 158 feet.
Beth Mallory, a sophomore last year at Ashland, was second with a throw of 150-8 and is the only returning thrower with a better throw than Dickenson's 142.
When asked about Dickenson as a person, Hunt used nothing but superlatives to describe her character.
“In every sense of the words, Shanna is an athlete and scholar,” Hunt said.
“She's a neat kid who's fun to be around. Her mother (Fannie) and father (Rolanda) are tremendous people and never miss a meet. They're her No. 1 supporters.”
Engel also had nothing but good to say, describing Dickenson as a "great young lady who is dedicated, wants to learn and has a bright future'.
Despite the successes in the throws, Dickenson still dreams of running and plans to compete for the Falcons' 400- and 800-meter relay teams in the district meet.
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