By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

TIFFIN — Opponents probably should never taunt John Pemberton with the phrase, “Hit me with your best shot.”

The former Ironton Fighting Tigers’ state shot put champion has continued his success in the event with the Tiffin Dragons.

For the second time this year, Pemberton has set a new school record in the shot put.

During the indoor season, Pemberton shattered Jason Werling’s 52-2 record set in 2007 with a heave of 56-9 at a Findlay College meet.

Werling also had the outdoor record of 53-8.25, but on April 23 at the Ashland College Open Pemberton went to work again with a record-setting throw of 57-9.5.

Not only does Pemberton get the school record with his throw, but he is now eighth in the country in the event for NCAA Division II.

“Before Christmas I was throwing pretty good. I hit 56-9 our first meet at Findlay and I had a 55-7 at Kent State to get to the finals,” said Pemberton.

“But I hurt myself in the final. I thought it was a pulled muscle. The doctor was afraid it was a hernia.”

Pemberton went to see a specialist who stretched him and worked him out. A month later he was throwing again and setting a record.

“I thought it was a 56 and I was kind of mad. The official said ‘17.61 (meters)’ and my stomach dropped. I didn’t think it was that far,” said Pemberton who also finished fifth this year at the Jesse Owens Classic at Ohio State.

Although Pemberton went to Tiffin to play football and play on the track team, he gave up football this past season to concentrate on track.

“Since I quit football my throwing has gone out the roof,” said Pemberton who is a redshirt senior. “I got in graduate program so I have one more year to throw.

Tiffin competes in the conference meet Friday and Saturday. Pemberton is hoping to give his team a boost.

“I want to score team points. I’m fifth (in the shot put) going in, but a couple of guys have been hurt by injuries so I have a chance to get in the top three. I just want to try and stay calm and see what happens.”