COLUMBUS — Bad weather isn’t something any track participants wants to endure at a meet. But in the case of Ironton junior John Paul Pemberton, rain is not a bad four-letter word.

Despite constant rain, cool temperatures and dreary conditions, Pemberton had a personal-best heave of 53-feet, 7.25-inches to finish fifth in the shot put Friday in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division II state track and field meet.

“I like this kind of weather,” Pemberton said. “It was hot all week and I didn’t throw real well. I kept fouling on my throws. But I always throw well in this kind of weather.”

Ironton coach Greg Cronacher said Pemberton didn’t let the cool and rainy weather conditions effect him mentally.

“He got up this morning and said, ‘This is great weather. I love this.’ A lot of throwers let the conditions play games with their minds, but John never worries about those things,” Cronacher said.

“John’s been getting better every meet. It seems like he throws a little better each time. He had one of his best throws of the year in the regionals and then he beat it today.”

Athens Kurt Roberts won the state title in the shot put with a throw of 55-6.75. Randall Mitchell of Columbus Eastmoor was second at 54-5, Terry Miller of Kenton third at 53-10.75 and Kyle Borton of Wauseon fourth with a 53-10 throw.

Wheelersburg’s Nick Warner finished eighth with a toss of 51-4.5.

Pemberton, who was second in the district and the regional meet to Thomas each time, was pleased with his effort considering the talent pool.

“It feels great. I thought I could place if I just threw as well as I was capable. I knew there were some good throwers here, but I’ve thrown against some of the best all year,” Pemberton said.