News Summary

Paul Hoekman, a senior at Sioux Falls Christian High School, has achieved remarkable success by being named the Gatorade South Dakota Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive year. Known for his exceptional skills in shot put and discus, Hoekman has also excelled academically with a GPA of 3.74. His remarkable achievements include leading performances at the state championships and earning a bronze medal at the Nike Outdoor Nationals. As he looks ahead to his future at North Dakota State University, Sioux Falls is proud of this multi-talented athlete.

Sioux Falls Shines Bright with Hoekman’s Triumph!

In the bustling city of Sioux Falls, a remarkable achievement has spotlighted the talent oozing from its local high school. Paul Hoekman, a senior at Sioux Falls Christian High School, has been awarded the prestigious Gatorade South Dakota Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year for the 2024-25 season. This incredible honor isn’t just a one-time deal; it marks the second consecutive year Hoekman has claimed this accolade, solidifying his reputation as one of South Dakota’s finest athletes.

Throwing for the Stars

Hoekman is no stranger to success in the world of track and field, especially as a decorated thrower. He’s made quite a name for himself in both the shot put and discus events. At the recent South Dakota state championship meet, he stood tall as the Class A shot put champion for the second year in a row. Not only did he secure this coveted title, but he also added the Class A discus title to his growing list of accomplishments, showcasing his multi-faceted talents.

When it comes to his stats, Hoekman has truly outdone himself. His shot put throw of 68 feet, 4.5 inches is noteworthy, placing it as the third-best mark in South Dakota state history. As if that weren’t enough, it was also ranked fifth nationally this year, showing just how competitive and skillful he really is.

Record Breaker and National Medalist

This spring has been nothing short of phenomenal for Hoekman. He consistently achieved impressive throws of 66 feet, 5 inches or better on five different occasions. His standout performance at the Nike Outdoor Nationals earned him a bronze medal in shot put with a throw of 68 feet, 2.25 inches, adding to his accolades and marking him as an All-American for the second time. His prowess has drawn attention from many, including track and field enthusiasts who have watched him break state records in both shot put and discus during his senior year.

A Well-Rounded Student-Athlete

But Hoekman is not just a star athlete; he’s shining in academics too! With a solid GPA of 3.74, he’s shown that he excels both on the field and in the classroom. Additionally, this accomplished athlete is also a state powerlifting champion and a first-team all-Dakota 12 Conference football player. Juggling sports and studies, Hoekman has even participated in his school’s concert and marching bands, demonstrating his diverse talents beyond athletics.

From Baseball to the Shot Put

Interestingly enough, Hoekman’s athletic journey began when he shifted from baseball to track and field in eighth grade. He found his calling with throwing and made quite the entrance by winning his first meet during his freshman year. Setting specific goals has also played a significant role in his success. Hoekman aimed to be among the top 25 throwers in the nation by his senior year, and it’s safe to say he has hit that target in stride.

In wrapping up his high school journey, Hoekman reflected on the hard work, commitment, and resilience it took to achieve his goals. During his final state meet, he soaked in the heightened attention from spectators eager to see his skills in action. His impressive throw of 68 feet, 4.5 inches not only secured him his second consecutive state title but also set a new meet record in the process.

What’s Next?

As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his life, Hoekman has signed to continue his track and field career at North Dakota State University this fall. With a bright future ahead and a host of accolades trailing behind him, one thing is for sure: Sioux Falls is buzzing with pride for one of its own!

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