Southern Lehigh is home to a championship level field hockey team, superior girls and boys lacrosse programs, one of the most talented football teams in the Colonial League, and numerous other successful sports teams. With all that success among our high profile programs, one might overlook the triumphs of the track and field team in recent seasons. But when 6’1” 235-pound Andrew Rochon walks down the halls of the high school, it’s difficult to overlook him.

The senior has been throwing shot put and discus since seventh grade, and his hard work has paid off. He was recruited by Yale University and will be throwing for their track and field team next year.

“He never skips any reps when we work out,” senior teammate Mitchell Bauder said. “He gives 100 percent on all of his practice throws.”

Bauder has been throwing with Rochon since their freshman year and has been able to track the progress that has lead to his success in the sport.

Rochon’s success spans over a variety of events. He is one of the best all-around throwers in the Lehigh Valley. Last season, he was able to put up the second best shot put score in the area when he led Southern Lehigh in the Colonial League tri-meet with a 54-3 (54 feet 3 inches). However, he was able to smash his own record at the Marine Corps Holiday Classic where he threw his personal best, 56-2.5 (56 feet 2.5 inches). He also earned a silver in the the Colonial League championship while competing in his secondary event, discus, when he threw a 156-5 (156 feet 5 inches).

Rochon’s talent stems from an untraditional way of throwing. He throws using a spin technique as opposed to the typical gliding motion. This technique is difficult to master, especially for a student athlete with a limited practice schedule.

He uses his skills to compete against some of the most prominent throwers in the state during the district and state tournaments.

“When you throw against bigger guys you throw better,” Rochon said, “Competition teaches you how be better and stay humble when you’re playing against people who are more talented than you.”

Rochon will most likely have smooth sailing in the Colonial League for his senior season, as his main rival, Cam Strohe from Bangor, graduated last year. Strohe was the only thrower in the Valley to top Rochon’s discus throw last season. His next closest Colonial League competitor was nearly 20 feet behind his discus throw, and 5 feet behind his shot put.

That being said, Rochon will have to improve for his senior year as a Spartan to set records and show the Lehigh Valley what a Division I athlete looks like.