Murrieta Mesa senior All-American Cade Moran, a Michigan signee and national outdoor shot put leader, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to reflect on his lifetime-best performances of 64-7.50 (19.69m) in the shot put and 199-8 (60.85m) in the discus throw April 6 in a Southwestern League meet against Murrieta Valley and to preview his competition in both events April 9 at the 54th Arcadia Invitational at Arcadia High. Moran, who had an indoor personal-best 63-10.50 (19.47m) on March 12 to finish fourth at New Balance Nationals Indoor at The Armory in New York, shares how significant it was to be able to achieve both marks competing at home and the confidence he has built heading toward Arcadia. He also ascended to the No. 2 outdoor competitor in the country in the discus, trailing only Jeremiah Nubbe of Rainier High in Washington at 205-2 (62.53m), improving his personal best by more than eight feet from March 19 at the Cougar Classic at Beaumont. Moran revisits the challenges of overcoming a nagging foot injury during the winter and how he was able to regain his belief and rhythm practicing in the hotel in New York ahead of the indoor national competition. He also shares how instrumental his experiences were in June at The Outdoor Nationals Presented by Nike, placing second in the shot put with a 63-6 (19.35m) effort at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., but also the motivation he gained from finishing 19th in the discus with a 169-7 (51.70m) performance. Moran explains how meaningful it is to be considered one of the most well-rounded throwers in the country, including a victory in the weight throw at the California Winter Outdoor Championships with a mark of 62-9.50 (19.13m). He also expresses pride in how deep California is this season in the shot put and discus throw, with Kai Deines of Redondo Union, Aiden Pastorian of Great Oak, Nick Godbehere of Shafter, Nik Iwankiw of South Pasadena and Terraine Wiggins, Jr., of Golden Valley all among the elite perfomrers nationally. Moran explains his decision to attend Michigan and how much he is looking forward to collaborating with throws coach Colin Boever, in addition to his appreciation of the team culture created by head coach Kevin Sullivan. He also speaks about balancing academics, in addition to being a two-sport athlete, also playing football in the fall, along with sharing how his footwork and technique have continued to develop throughout his prep career with the support of his family and coaches.
