In addition to being the defending Division 1 state champion in the shot put, East Kentwood junior Logan Brown is a heavily-recruited left tackle on the gridiron. (Lenny Padilla | MLive)

By John Raffel | Advance Newspapers 
on May 11, 2018 2:44 PM

KENTWOOD -- East Kentwood coach Dave Emeott, has had six state-championship teams since 2009, including one in 2017. One of the many reasons the Falcons won it last year -- and might do it again -- is the talents of defending Division 1 state shot put champion Logan Brown.

Brown, a junior, has thrown the shot put and discus the last three seasons, but his success in the shot has been especially phenomenal.

Last season, he won the regional shot put with an effort of 54-10 and then won the state title at 60-1½.

Through May 4, Brown has taken first in all but one meet, and the second place he had was on March 27 at the Wendy’s Track & Field Classic. His personal record came on May 3 at Rockford in an OK Red meet. He threw it 61-1½.

“He’s had an excellent season thus far,” Emeott said. “He has broken the school record once again. He competes against everybody well across the state of Michigan. He’s the No. 1 thrower in the state of Michigan, for sure. Nationally, he is ranked 28th.”

Before the 2018 season ends, “I think we’d like to see him break the state record for juniors (65-0½). It’s held by T.J. Duckett of Kalamazoo Loy Norrix. I think most people know who he is. That’s our goal this year.”

It’s no secret, Emeott adds, why Brown has had so much success in the event.

“He’s a large guy, for one,” Emeott said. “He works hard at his craft. He takes track and field seriously and puts in the time each day to get better. When it comes down to it, Logan really likes to compete. He’s made a choice to go out and compete against guys.

“Even though he’s a junior, he’s been an excellent leader.”

Brown unofficially has committed to Wisconsin to play football.

East Kentwood, as a team, is undefeated so far in 2018. The Falcons also have the No. 1 pole vaulter (Trevor Stephenson) and No. 1 hurdler (Job Mayhue) in the state.

“We should be in the mix when all is said and done,” Emeott said.