West Holmes’ Maddax Graham flying to great heights this spring

Not so long ago, West Holmes had a thrower named Graham who shocked the state of Ohio and captured a Division II state title in both the shot and discus.

Four years later the Graham has returned to grace West Holmes’ throwing pits, and he hopes to produce equally stunning results.

The former Graham was Lane Graham, who is now starring for Akron University, while the current Graham is his brother Maddax Graham, a junior who continues to shine brightly for the Knights.

Maddax Graham lost only once the entire spring track and field season in both the shot and discus, and he continues to showcase the same skills his brother possesses.

Head coach Scott Mellor said Graham has been incredible in his work ethic this season, a surprise to no one because Graham was a two-event state qualifier in middle school.

Like his brother, Graham isn’t the biggest guy throwing, but he has the same work ethic and ability to learn proper technique.

“You watch Maddax practice and throw in meets and he’s so relaxed in his technique,” Mellor said. “A lot of kids tend to press. He’s just gotten so comfortable with his technique, and we know what type of effort he is going to give.”

For Graham, the idea that he is not a hulking presence like most of his competitors makes each victory that much sweeter, although his coaches say he is never one to boast and is always humble and polite with opponents.

Graham said losing in the discus for the first time recently to another great thrower has only spurred him to work that much harder.

“Any time you show up, you’ve got to expect to consistently get better, and that’s the important thing for me,” Graham said. “You’ve got to do the little things to take care of yourself in whatever you’re doing.”

He said he spent the entire weekend following that runner-up effort thinking about what he needs to do so that doesn’t happen again.

Graham has had the opportunity to work with both his brother and his Akron teammates and has taken their advice and teaching to heart.

“Learning the technique working with Lane has definitely been huge for me,” Graham said. “And it’s not only the teaching he provides, but also the person he is and his willingness to always be there to work with me and help me that I appreciate. He’s not the type of guy who doesn’t want me to break his records here. He wants me to work harder and go get them.”

While the numbers have been incredible for Graham this season, he said what energizes him just as much is watching his teammates find success.

Mellor said not only is Graham a stellar athlete, but also he shines in many areas including on stage, where he played a starring role in the WHHS stage production of “The Sound of Music,” and in the classroom, where he has developed a talent for robotics, something he wishes to pursue in the future.

“I want to do well in everything I do,” said Graham, who hopes to become a petroleum engineer in college. “I love engineering and being outside, and working in an oil field is about as good as it gets for me.”

Devante Spearman, WHHS track and field throwing coach, said Graham’s drive and understanding of technique make him a strong contender to advance far into the postseason this spring.

“He’s come a long way because he puts in so much work,” Spearman said. “He’s always asking questions and putting in extra work to improve himself. He’s one of those kids who wants to get better at his craft every single day, and he continues to give relentless effort.”

He said Graham’s attitude and work ethic rub off on the other athletes and make them want to strive for more, and Spearman noted Graham’s personality is as big as his throws.

“He’s a natural leader,” Spearman said.

Graham praised Spearman for providing him with inspiration and said his coach’s passion makes him want to strive for greater distance, whether it’s at practice or in meets.

With expectations on Defcon 1, Graham said he understands what it is going to take to march through the rigors of better competition as the postseason rolls along.

“At this point you drill what you know and strive to get better every day and not settle for anything less,” Graham said.

Above all, Graham said he wants to enjoy each moment in life, whether it is throwing, robotics or simply being a leader and example for others.