DES MOINES – Centerville track-and-field standout Wallace Carter wrapped up the class 3A discus competition with a storybook ending, winning the state championship on his final throw on Thursday afternoon at the state track meet.

Carter, who won the state discus championship two years ago before placing third last season, tossed the disc 174 feet, defeating the second-place finisher by three feet.

“He was on from the minute he walked into the circle. He was focused and ready to roll. It was quite an impressive display he put on,” commented Centerville throwing coach Brandon Clark just minutes after the event.

Carter was the leading thrower going into the finals, which made him the last participant. Carter was sitting in second place in the finals with a throw of 169 feet, two feet behind the leader, with just one throw remaining.  Knowing that he had to beat a throw of 171 feet, Carter let go of his best throw of the competition – 174 feet to win the 3A title.

“He was shocked because the official said 170 and paused before saying four,” commented Clark.

“I was thinking that everything had to be perfect. My steps had to be perfect and I had to come around with some massive torque and get it out there,” said Carter.

Carter did just that, unleashing a perfect throw down the middle of the field.

“I knew it was a good throw. It was really exciting,” said Carter.

Despite winning the discus title as a sophomore, Carter feels this one is more special.

“This one was exciting. It was crazy because it was the last throw,” stated Carter. “It came down to the last throw in my senior year. It’s the last time I’ll ever be in the circle.”

The 174-foot throw was the second best performance of Carter’s career. Carter uncorked a school-record toss of 187 feet earlier this season in Ottumwa.

It’s back to work for Carter who is scheduled to compete in the shot put today at 11:30 a.m.

“I’m hoping to place,” added Carter.