Hitman could break the school record in the javelin this year.
By ANDREW CANGIANO
What once sounded like a cocky outburst by a headstrong freshman may now become a reality for Ocean Township High School senior Dan Hitman.
I remember him walking in as a freshman and telling me that he was going to break the school javelin record, said boys track head coach Mark DeSomma.
Hitman said he became interested in the event when he found a javelin his dad had thrown in his own high school days.
After being cut from the eighth grade baseball team, he decided track was the way to go.
When I didnt make the baseball team I decided to do track, he said.
As a freshman Hitman wasnt close to the school javelin record of 189-0 feet, as he was throwing in the 120s, DeSomma said.
However, by last season, his junior year, Hitman had transformed himself into the top javelin thrower in the Shore Conference and qualified for the High School Nike Track Outdoor National Championships.
His best throw of 182 feet, seven inches, which earned Hitman first place in the Shore Conference Championships last spring, shows that breaking the school javelin record as a senior is a very real possibility.
In fact, DeSomma believes Hitman could be throwing over 200 feet by seasons end.
Hes got a fantastic work ethic, the Spartans coach said.
DeSomma said Hitman is singleminded which has helped the senior overcome the injuries he has faced.
As a freshman he broke his hand.
In his sophomore year Hitman learned he had contracted the bone disease osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), which often results in pain in the knees and elbows (the symptoms are now dormant, he said.)
As a junior he fractured his spine for the second time in his life (the first occurred when he was 12) and while he could still compete in the javelin he was unable to lift weights.
Junior year I wasnt able to lift [weights] at all because my back couldnt sustain any weight, Hitman said.
Last August he said he lost 27 pounds in three weeks while he was sick.
Not surprisingly, he now says staying healthy is his number one priority.
He has adopted a more healthy diet, as Hitman has cut soda, candy, and fast food out completely.
The six foot two, 192 pound senior said he drinks 2-3 gallons of water a day and eats healthy foods like chicken and salad.
I drink water and green tea, he said.
Hitman said he wants to continue to make progress in his physical health
Once you see your body change, you want to see it keep going, he said.
Along with a healthier diet Hitman has also cut out playing other sports so he can focus on javelin.
I train pretty hard all year round, he said.
Hitman works out at Jam Power Center in Eatontown and has trained with several private coaches, including Olympic hopeful Bobby Smith of Monmouth University.
The Olympics is my ultimate goal, however possible that is, Hitman said.
The senior said he is looking forward to the upcoming spring track season, as he will throw the discuss along with the javelin and do high jump for the Spartans as well.
My time to do my thing, he said.
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