Lightbody Looking at Record Books

At 6 feet 8 1/4, Huntington Beach senior Sam Lightbody usually stands out in a crowd. But to appreciate Lightbody’s physical attributes, you need to see him in action.

Lightbody is the defending Orange County champion in the shotput and discus and was runner-up in both events at the Southern Section Division I finals last season. He had the county’s top mark in the discus a year ago (174-10 1/2) and the second best in the shotput (56-1 1/2).

Lightbody, who will attend Washington State on a football scholarship this fall, is primed to extend those measurements after a strenuous weight program led by Tony Ciarelli, one of the most successful throwing coaches in Southern California. “He’s going to do some good things,” Ciarelli said. “He’s getting himself ready. He’s gotten stronger and he’s already throwing pretty good.”

Lightbody is taking aim at Scott Moser’s school record of 61-10 1/2 set two years ago in the shotput. Based on the marks both achieved in season-opening meets their senior year, Lightbody is right on track.

“He opened up in his first meet with 54-something and mine was 55-8,” Lightbody said.

Lightbody said he believes he can eclipse the 200-foot mark in the discus this season, but surpassing Moser’s state record of 213-11 would be a stretch.

“I would almost have to predict that he would break the shotput record,” said Ciarelli, a 1972 graduate of Huntington Beach who held the school record before Moser. “And 200 feet is definitely within his capabilities.”

Lightbody uses his 270-pound frame to his advantage in both events. His long arms work like levers as he spins and generates momentum before letting go of the discus, and his long, powerful legs help create a strong push in the shotput.

Initially, Lightbody wasn’t too thrilled about his body type. When he was a child, doctors used a test that doubles a person’s size at a particular age and estimated he would grow to be about 6-7.

“I never really wanted to be 6-7, but I kind of grew past it,” said Lightbody, who has added 50 pounds since last season. “Besides, if it wasn’t for that I probably wouldn’t be going to college.”

Coaches at Washington State have told Lightbody he can continue to throw if it doesn’t become too time consuming. Lightbody played tight end for Huntington Beach, but will move to offensive tackle in college.

Lightbody can be found in the weight room for two hours each day and has steadily improved his maximum lifts in the clean, snatch and squat, but Ciarelli doesn’t include the bench press in his regimen.

“I kind of wish he would. When I go to college I’m going to be kind of weak at that,” Lightbody said with a grin.

Ciarelli, who is also the Oilers’ football coach, has been the difference in Lightbody’s success at Huntington Beach. Lightbody knows that if he were attending any other school in the district, he would be unknown in the throwing events.

“I think he knows just as much as anybody in the discus,” Lightbody said. “I think he likes it more than football and he’s the head football coach. It’s kind of his life. He has to be the best at everything, so he finds out everything there is to know about it.”

Ciarelli expects the throwing events to be among the most competitive in the state this season. Three athletes who placed in the top five in state in the discus return this season, and three of the top six in the shotput return.

Competition in Orange County will again come from Esperanza junior Travis Pendleton, who won the Division I title over Lightbody in the discus last season.

“Lightbody and Pendleton will go at it like the last two years,” Ciarelli said.

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PRESEASON TOP 10

1. Esperanza, Should dominate the throws.

2. Mission Viejo, 21 starters return.

3. Brea Olinda, One of the most balanced teams in county.

4. El Toro, Perennial powerhouse in county.

5. Santa Margarita, Fast and deep in the sprints.

6. Katella, Wealth of quality distance runners.

7. Tustin, Deepest team in years.

8. Newport Harbor, Powerful between 800 and 3,200.

9. Mater Dei, Could be surprise in county.

10. Woodbridge, Always deep and well coached.