Hood third in shot at Drake Relays

DES MOINES — Cold, damp, overcast conditions rained down on Drake Stadium Friday morning here at the Drake Relays.

Though Hannah Hood was somewhat concerned with slipping, the conditions only slightly altered her glide approach to her throw. She launched a throw of 41 feet, 2.25 inches on her second throw of the day to earn third place behind the Waukee duo of Kat Moody, 43-10, and Moe Nealey, 43-9.

"My first one I was a kinda shaky," Hood said. "I just wanted to get the first one out of the way and so then after that I was a lot better. The second one I threw my 41, I was like 'OK I'm good.'"

It qualified her for the finals, and it proved to be her best throw of the day.

Her throws in order traveled; 39-1, 41-2.25, 39, 38-8, 39-1, 40-9.

Hood finished ninth a year ago, and rocketed up the leaderboard this year.

"Third is always good, but I definitely wanted a 42," Hood said

Hood was the top Class 3A finisher at the Relays and still stands with the third best throw in the state, 44-2, recorded at Red Oak earlier this season.

For more on Friday's competition, including results on Nodaway Valley's Jared Corder and his 800 run, be sure to read Monday's News Advertiser.