March 26, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Moriah Young's last name may be an accurate indicator of her age, but given her results this season, you'd think she was a seasoned veteran.

Only a freshman, Moriah Young is already one of the best throwers in Maryland history. Her indoor marks of 46-3.25 in the shot put and 54-11.50 in the 20-pound weight throw put her in the top ten all-time in Maryland history for each event.

In her first collegiate track season, Young has placed in multiple events in several meets, including the NYRR Saturday Night at the Armory III meet, the George Mason Patriot Games and the Terrapin Invitational. At the ACC Indoor Championships, she finished sixth in the shot put and seventh in the weight throw. Along with junior Kristen Batts, the two are a formidable pair in throwing events.

Young joined the Terrapins from Columbia, Md., electing to stay close to home. The decision has already paid great dividends for the women's track & field program, as she has become a big contributor in field events for the Terps.

Young attended McDonogh School in Owings Mills and was a conference champion in the shot put her senior year. Additionally, Young also placed second in the discuss at the same meet. Perhaps her biggest accomplishment was placing fourth in the shot put at the 2009 Penn Relays Carnival. Young also placed third in the weight throw and sixth in the shot put at the 2009 Nike Indoor Nationals.

As for the transition to Maryland, Young has altered her workouts and the changes have resulted in improvements in her events.

"I spend a lot more time practicing in college than I did in high school, on top of the mandatory lifting three days a week," said Young. "College athletics are also taken much more seriously and are way more competitive."

At Maryland, she has benefitted from the coaching of 18-year veteran Roland Desonier. Desonier, a Terrapin assistant coach, has coached many successful throwers at Maryland, including 25 All-ACC performers and eight athletes who appeared in NCAA regional meets. Desonier will have plenty of time to work with Young so that she can add her name to those lists.

"Roland knows what he is talking about because he is so experienced. If you just listen to him and take his advice, there's no reason why anyone who works with him shouldn't be the best thrower they possibly can be," said Young.

For now, Young is an important member of the women's track & field program. Under the coaching of Desonier and with the right attitude, Young could become a tremendous athlete.

"I plan on working very hard, taking things step by step, and seeing where I end up," said Young. "It would be nice to become the best or one of Maryland's best all-around throwers."