Originally published June 23, 2009, 05:49 p.m. EST. Updated June 23, 2009, 05:49 p.m. EST

By Chad Wingert

Sports Editor

JACKSON — If you think being the best in the state is good, try being the best in three states.

That was the pressure Caro senior Jack Dennis felt as he went up against the best discus throwers in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio last Saturday in the Midwest Meet of Champs held at Jackson High School in Michigan.

“It was kind of weird looking around and seeing all of these athletes that were the best in their state,” Dennis said. “It wasn’t like being at the State Finals, I was competing with the best throwers from three states.”

Dennis finished sixth overall with a throw of 160-6. That was well short of his State Title throw of 180-8, but Dennis was still satisfied with the experience.

“It definitely was not my best day, but I still threw pretty good.” Dennis said. “I’m still pretty satisfied with finishing sixth.”

Caro coaches Jeff Schember and Heather Jensen made the trek with Dennis to Jackson where they stayed overnight and prepared for the next day’s festivities.

“Everyone had a roommate, and I ended up getting paired with Zack Hill,” Dennis said. “I also had time to meet and hang out with Andrew Evans and a few other guys. Everyone was very cool.”

Hill, the Division 3 discus State Campion from Allendale, broke his own State Finals record of 175-7 with a throw of 181-0 this season while Evans, of Portage Northern, was crowned the Division 1 discus champ with a throw of 182-10.

Evans went on to place first at the Midwest Meet of Champs with a toss of 179-06 while Hill captured second place at 175-08.

Finishing sixth was also no disappointment to Coach Jensen, who will be sad to see Dennis leave her squad.

“It was great to see him compete with some of the best athletes in this part of the country,” Jensen said. “He worked hard to make this season his best ever and all that hard work paid off.”

While at Caro, Dennis not only captured a State Title for the Tigers but he also set a new school record with his 180-8 toss at the State Finals. Dennis shattered his own school record from earlier this year of 176’5, knocking off a discus record previously held by Lee Gossen that had stood for more than 20 years.

Dennis’ plans for the future are undecided as of right now, but when looking back at his high school career, he will have plenty to smile about as he moves on to college.

“Winning a state title was great,” Dennis said. “But competing in this meet was even better.”

Chad Wingert is the Sports Editor of the Advertiser and can be reached at Sports@tcadvertiser.com