Rachel Aliotta

June 12, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Aliotta Claims Outdoor Shot Put Record, Three-Peat At State Open

Cheshire High School senior thrower Rachel Aliotta doesn't focus on her competition. Instead, she goes into every event looking to improve on her previous-best distance. Everything came together for another record-setting performance last Monday.
Aliotta eclipsed her CHS outdoor shot put record on the first throw of the State Open at Willowbrook Park in New Britain. That distance clinched her third consecutive title, tying state record-holder and 2006 Stamford High School graduate Tynisha McMillan. Aliotta hasn't lost a Connecticut shot put event since her sophomore year.
“Normally, it excites you when you have a great throw right away,” reflected Aliotta, who defeated Hillhouse's Chadran Smith (39 feet, 8.25 inches) by more than five feet. “I was excited with all my friends and family here. The weather was perfect today.”
She enjoys the surface at Willowbrook Park. That confidence helped her break her record of 44 feet and seven inches from last spring.
“I finally got it. I wanted to throw that all season,” recalled Aliotta, who received the MVP for girls' field events. “Coach (George Gihuly) and I have been trying to focus on discus. But, shot put is my top event and it felt great to win it again.”
Aliotta was visibly cheering for her opposition.
“To have extra support other than coaches and family, is special,” said Aliotta. “We are like a family. We cheer for each other, even though we are not from the same school.”
Aliotta finished her high school career in discus, placing 20th (91 feet, three inches). She is undecided if she will throw it at Monmouth University (West Long Branch, New Jersey).
“I'm going to throw shot put, hammer, and weight,” Aliotta added. “If the coach can help my (discus) technique, I'm open to it.”
Aliotta has one more chance to break 45 feet and defend her New England Championship today. She starts her fourth regional appearance, at 10 a.m. Julie Hart, a senior captain with Aliotta and Sam Alberino, and sophomore Jake Scinto are also competing. Fortunately, the competition is hosted by New Britain.
“I love this facility. I'm comfortable here,” said Aliotta, who threw 43 feet and 6.5 inches last year. “I'll miss it, but I'll be back next year to cheer on friends.”