Idaho thrower Grady Leonard welcomes advice from big sister

By Mary Albl for DyeStat 

Kristine Rothwell watched April 29 as her baby brother Grady Leonard produced a personal best and all-time state best shot put mark of 67 feet at the Rasmussen Invitational.

The moment was pure joy for Rothwell, but it isn’t her favorite memory. For that, you have to travel to Northern Idaho to their home in Coeur d’Alene.

“We had a bit of property and my dad poured a shot put ring and discus ring,” Rothwell said. “When I was in school at (University of Idaho) I would come home, and I wasn’t that motivated to practice during my break. But Grady always was. And the fact that we didn’t have to go anywhere, and we were home throwing together has always kind of stuck with me. How lucky are we that we have this family tradition? It’s just a fun thing to do.”

Leonard, a senior at Coeur d’Alene High, has emerged as one of the top high school throwers in the nation.

Rothwell, who won a Class 4A Idaho state shot put title in 2008, is one of three coaches that work with Leonard on a consistent basis. Suffice to say the fun as continued for brother and sister.

“We have the perfect combination of a good focused practice, and still have fun,” Leonard said. “And we’re definitely able to communicate on that deeper level having that relationship, coach first, sister second.”

Bart Templeman, founder of the well-known Iron Wood Thrower Development Camp in Coeur d’Alene, works with Leonard on the technical aspects of the throws. Bob McKay, a recent addition, deals with the strength and conditioning part.

Rothwell describes herself in more of the supportive role as a coach. Leonard is able to vent and take his frustrations out on Rothwell, who is nine years older.

“Having her on my side and always there is a big help,” Leonard said.

Rothwell said they’ve stressed quality over quantity with Leonard, making sure not to overwork him. Leonard, who stands at 6 feet, 1½ inches and around 225 pounds, went all in with the throws last year after he won the 5A state shot put crown (60-7.25).

“Where he was at physically, he was probably 30-40 pounds lighter and shorter,” Rothwell said. “Sixty feet is a big mark for a high school kid and when he hit that last year, where he was physically, that’s when I realized how good he could be, and I think he realized the same thing.”

A consistent thrower, Rothwell said what sets Leonard apart is his mindset. It’s been a completely different focus for the senior. Leonard finished second April 8 at the Arcadia Invitational (63-6.75) and has captured gold in all of his other meets, including a 5A district title Thursday with a 66-7 effort at Coeur d’Alene High.

“It’s only so far strength will get you, and especially when you’re Grady’s size, you rely pretty heavily on technique,” Rothwell said. “He goes into each practice focused to make himself better, and the outcome is worth it.”

Leonard, who has yet to announce his college decision, will compete at the state championships May 19-20 at Dona Larsen Park in Boise. The goal now is to join the exclusive 70-foot shot put club.

Leonard, who also excels in the discus, has his sights on the state record of 203-09, set in 1995 by Ian Waltz.

“To be able to be a part of it for so long means more than just watching him perform well,” Rothwell said. “It’s very fulfilling.”

And next weekend in Boise, brother and sister have a chance to make some more memories.

“I think my sister and I are the closest in the four siblings, we are the two throwers,” Leonard said. “We have a really good relationship.”