Glendale Shotputter Schain Tries to Put His Best Foot Forward

When Scott Schain of Glendale College steps into the shotput ring Friday in the state championship meet at Bakersfield College, he likely will have more on his mind than winning.

The freshman from Granada Hills High said he would like to exit the ring without his right ankle resembling a cantaloupe as it did after his foot struck the front of the ring in the Western State Conference final.

Schain, who also had state qualifying marks in the hammer throw, discus and javelin, will participate exclusively in the shotput because of the ankle injury from which he has only partially recovered. The 5-10, 205-pound right-hander, who is a sophomore academically but a freshman in eligibility after redshirting last season because of a back injury, is hoping to earn a college scholarship. His 55-3 personal best this season ranks among the state’s top marks.

Schain, 20, had the grades required to attend a major university out of high school but said he felt unprepared for college. He was a major contributor this season as Glendale won its 116th consecutive dual meet and 13th consecutive conference championship. However, he was not always sure he had made the right decision.

“It was hard for me because I went to Granada Hills High,” Schain said, “and most of the people there went to a major university right off the bat. For me to go to a junior college I kind of had to swallow my pride. I came here with the attitude that everyone that went to a junior college was dumb.

“It wasn’t really the attitude to have. Most of the people here are really smart . . . maybe just people paying their way through college.”

Glendale Coach Tom McMurray, who said he is as concerned with good grades as fast times, has had little problem with Schain.

“He’s a B-plus student,” McMurray said, “and a member of the honor society. He is our team captain and he’s our most outstanding field athlete. Those are the kind of people you need as team captains and team leaders.”