[phil1750]

While a senior in high-school, I helped coach jr. high track. Had a kid pick up the 8 lb shot, throw it like a baseball about 80 ft. hitting another kid in the side of the head. Boy hit, flopped on the ground for sometime while waiting for an ambulance. He is ok today, no permenant injuries (other than a large metal plate in his head). But some 40 years later, I still have nightmares of the shot striking his head.

[MineralMan]

"Had a kid pick up the 8 lb shot, throw it like a baseball about 80 ft. "

Uh, I don't think it is possible to throw an 8 lb. shot like a baseball. I tried it once and nearly dislocated my shoulder.

[MineralMan]

Further, I can't imagine a middle-schooler sending a shot out 80 feet. It ain't happening.

[GSlob]

"Had a kid pick up the 8 lb shot, throw it like a baseball about 80 ft."
You must have coached quite an athlete: the world record on shot put is ca. 75 ft (with heavier shot) and your charge, while still a kid, was throwing 80. Steroids?