Twin brothers compete at 3A North track meet

Posted by David Smith | May 4, 2023 | Track & Field |

KAYENTA
Chinle twins Brad and Adam Murray placed in the top five in the discus event at the recent 3A North Championships held at Monument Valley High School last Friday.

Brad, the “youngest” brother, won gold with a distance of 107-06, which was 17 inches further than Ganado’s Randon Tso, who placed second.

Page’s Ian Yellowhair took third with a 95-04 effort while Adam Murray took fourth with a throw of 90-11.

“The competition was very good, very competitive,” Brad said.

It was also a windy day, but Brad felt it was helpful as it was blowing in their favor, helping the athletes launch their discs farther after adjusting to it.

Brad uses a full-spin technique but puts a lot of focus on maintaining his balance while putting his full force into the swing.

Brad is also left-handed, making his throws a bit more unique than the other throwers.

Despite it being a close competition, he put his focus on beating his previous throws, saying his only rival for the day was himself.

Brad said track is his favorite event, having competed on the team for his third season. In addition to working with his coaches and going to training camps, he also watches videos of collegiate and Olympian throwers and he takes notes.

Brad also takes the time to share what he learned with his older twin, so the two can continue improving together.

Regardless, Adam said he always has fun at the meets.

“The season has been really good,” Adam said. “Just having fun out here at the 3A North Regionals.”

Adam practices with different techniques, from full swings to half-quarter swings. Chinle has been giving him good training as he does hard workouts that did improve his throws.

He was aiming for second place, but he got bumped out by the Ganado and Page throwers. Still, he isn’t calling quits and vows to do better next year.

The brothers also competed in the shot put finals where Brad (36-05.50) earned third place while Adam(25-08) landed in 15th. Both brothers saying that the shot put isn’t their best event.

Adam also competed in the 100 meters dash, while Brad mainly focused on the throwing events.

With it being their junior seasons, the brothers are looking to make state next year.

Still, they were in high spirits, happy to be with their teammates at the 3A North meet.

They encourage their fellow juniors to push hard next season so that their last year will be a good memory.

“Keep going every day, discipline yourself, take the opportunities you have and we’ll see you next year again,” Brad said.