westnewsmagazine
Senior Baron James won the Class 5 discus championship.
He won by throwing 198 feet, 5.75 inches, which furthered his school record.
He finished undefeated in the event this spring, going 11 for 11.
Barons hard work, combined with the expertise of throws coach John Diffley, led to his championship performance, Lafayette coach Scott Haxton said.
Coach Diffley has coached the shot put and discus for decades and was long overdue for a state championship.
His deep knowledge of the technical details, coupled with his ability to translate subtle adjustments into clear, focused coaching cues, makes him one of the most respected and effective throws coaches in metro St.
Louis.
James was fourth at state in the discus last spring.
He finished first in the Suburban Red Pool Conference last year.
In April, James won first place in the Ken Peek Invitational at Liberty North.
His winning throw was 182-03.
That throw broke records.
This was a meet where we sent Baron and one other thrower to ensure he faced competition comparable to what he would see at the state meet, Haxton said.
Baron responded by breaking a 50-year-old school record by 26 centimeters.
In doing so, he also surpassed his father, Rob James, who previously ranked as Lafayettes No.
2 all-time discus thrower.
James won the discus and shot put at this springs conference meet.
He won the discus in the district and sectional meets.
He finished second in district in the shot put but won it at the sectional.
His second shot put throw was 55-8, which moved him into fifth place on Lafayettes all-time list.
Haxton felt confident about James opportunities to win at state.
We knew Baron was prepared.
He is a young man who consistently responds to coaching, making the necessary adjustments and mastering the finer details of his craft, Haxton said.
He remains calm and composed under pressure, and his confidence and focus are evident every time he steps into the ring.
All the pieces were in place for a state championship performance.
After finishing first, Haxton said James was elated, though not surprised.
The smile on his face reflected both the joy of the moment and a strong sense of accomplishment, he said.
James finished fifth in the shot put at state.
His throw was 54 feet.
James, who also played football for the Lancers, will throw in college at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
I believe the throws coach will focus primarily on the discus and hammer throw both rotational events while also utilizing him in the shot put when needed, said Haxton, who is a SIUE graduate.
(Its) a program where Baron will be highly competitive.
The dedication and long hours required for collegiate track and field are a perfect match for his personality.
His work ethic, discipline, and commitment to continuous improvement position him well for success at the next level.
Haxton will miss James in his program.
Baron served on our track and field leadership committee, and it was an absolute privilege to coach such a confident, hardworking young man, Haxton said.
He consistently led by example through his dedication, character and commitment to excellence.
I know he has an impressive future ahead of him, and I look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in the years to come.