Typically, the early track and field season is an opportunity for athletes to work up to their best, taking the time to refine technique and see where they stack up with their peers.

In the first meet of the season, Polson senior Astin Brown had to reach deep into the record books to find his peer in Bob Morigeau.

Morigeau holds – or held – the oldest standing breakable record in the Polson High School track record book with a shot put throw of 57 feet and 6 inches in 1971.

The past tense comes into play because on March 29 at the Frenchtown Invite Brown threw the shot put 58 feet and 9 inches. Morigeau’s record, which stood for more than 50 years, now belongs to Brown. 

“It’s honestly kind of surreal,” said Brown. “I had a little bit of doubt for a while."

He attributes his success to hard work. "I think it was just the hours that I put in and the results gave me a little bit of hope,” he said.

Brown’s not done yet; he says with a laugh that he hopes to keep breaking the record, so it stands for another “70 years.” 

His eyes aren’t only on school records, although the discus is also within reach. Brown is also staring down the barrel of the state record for the shot put to add to his long list of accomplishments.

“I want to peak at state,” Brown said when discussing his goals for the season.

Brown however isn’t just about personal accomplishments. 

“Astin is the kindest soul you’ll ever meet. He is super emotionally intelligent,” said co-head coach Nicole Bonner. “He wants to just help out and do the best with the people around him."

“I don’t want them to sit in the corner and feel like they’re not welcome because I am so thankful that all of them are there,” said Brown of his teammates and the culture he wants to foster.

It's clear Brown is an athlete with a whole lot of talent and a good head on his shoulders.

The valley isn’t the only place he’s getting attention. He's caught the eye of the University of Montana where he’ll continue his academic and athletic career next year.

For now, though, it’s about setting records, coming away with some hardware at the end of the season, and enjoying every step of the way with his teammates and coaches.