“Throws fans nationally are getting their fix of great talents these days, but Jackson Cantwell could be the one that really ups the ante over the next two years. The son of former world shot put champion Christian Cantwell, Jackson absolutely destroyed the sophomore class national record by more than two feet. As he enters his junior season, his career best is already farther than the national junior class record as well. He shattered the national sophomore record in the discus, too.”

Rich Gonzalez

editor for PrepCalTrack.com

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot-9, 300-pound sophomore throws specialist won a national title in the shot put at June’s Nike Outdoor Nationals on the heels of setting a state record in the event in May. Cantwell also took fifth in the discus at NON to earn dual All-American honors. At the Class 5 District 6 meet, he launched the shot a personal-best 74 feet, 9.75 inches to break his own set record and record the No. 9 distance in the event in prep history. In addition, he recorded a personal-best in the discus this season (205-4), which ranked No. 7 among prep competitors in 2024. He won both events at the state meet, helping the Eagles finish fifth as a team.

Academic Achievement

Cantwell has maintained a 4.0 GPA in the classroom. He will begin his junior year of high school this fall.

Exemplary Character

Also a key contributor on his school’s football team, Cantwell has volunteered locally serving food at the Least Of These Food Pantry, the only full-service pantry serving Christian County. He has also donated his time as a peer tutor in addition to coaching youth throwers.