A St. Paul’s Collegiate athlete has thrown his way into the provincial record books.

Curtis Urniezius, 18, turned in a stellar performance at the 2012 Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s provincial track and field championship, held June 7 to 9 in Selkirk.

Urniezius set a new provincial record in varsity boys shot put with a throw of 15.63 metres. It eclipsed the previous best of 15.15 metres set by Terrell Weik of Arborg Collegiate in 2006.

It was one of three gold medals Urniezius claimed in Selkirk. He also went on to outthrow the competition in both the discus and javelin with throws of 41.78 and 52.24 metres respectively.

Ironically, Urniezius didn’t even get to compete in his best event at provincials.

"Actually my main event is hammer throw, but they don’t do hammer throw at the high school level," he said.

Urniezius had originally planned to apply to the RCMP this summer, but has now put those plans on hold.  

Instead, he will head to the national training centre in Lethbridge, Alta. later this summer to work with the national throws coaches and members of Team Canada.

"I am a little nervous about it just because it is a big step," Urniezius said.

"But I think I will learn a lot and get way better. But everything is happening so fast."

Coach Bruce Pirnie said he is confident Urniezius will be up for the challenge.

"I’ve never seen an athlete perform so well in so many different events," Pirnie said.

"Curtis is a prime example of a young person who has very high goals for himself. Technically he is a very sound thrower, but what we haven’t done together much is the strength and conditioning, which he will get to do a lot of in Lethbridge."

Urniezius said his recent success has been a little overwhelming, adding his parents and coaches have provided some invaluable assistance.

"I really have to thank my coaches for helping me to get to this point, and especially my parents who have paid for everything," he said.

Urniezius added he and his family are searching for sponsors to help offset the cost of his training this summer. Anyone interested in sponsoring him can contact Urniezius at 864-2832 or his father at 795-9868.

prescott.james@canstarnews.com