KAYSVILLE — More meaningful than Syracuse High junior Lorraine Feagaimaalii’s new personal shot put record is that her coach, Nikki Wheeler, made the trip from work to watch her throw at the Region 1 championships on Wednesday.

Feagaimaalii, a native of American Samoa, landed a new personal best of 37 feet and 2 1/2 inches to retain her title as Region 1’s leader and the No. 3 shot thrower in 6A (behind Maile Mataele (39 feet, 8 1/4 inches) of Corner Canyon).

“They came all the way from their work to watch me throw,” Feagaimaalii said. “I’m so grateful to have those types of coaches that really support me.”

For three seasons, Feagaimaalii has developed her technique with Wheeler, the wife of Syracuse head coach Randy Wheeler, and the exclusive coach for the Titans’ shot put and discus throwers.

CONNER BECKER, Standard-Examiner

Together, Feagaimaalii and Wheeler have put in long hours to raise her ceiling after a fifth-place debut (35 feet, 3 1/2 inches) at state last year.

As of Wednesday, Feagaimaalii leads Region 1 by an entire foot.

“She has come a long way,” Nikki Wheeler said. “Not only because last year was her first year, but she also just learned English when she came. … She works super hard. She really wants it. She comes out, and she works for it.”

It wasn’t long ago that Feagaimaalii, who arrived in Utah having just learned English, considered leaving her field event behind as an extracurricular.

“I almost quit and then Nikki showed up saying, ‘Oh girl, you can do it. You can throw 35. You have some good throws at practice and I’m really so proud of you,'” Feagaimaalii said. “It was my first time, and that’s (the) best decision I’ve ever made, to come to Syracuse and make some new friends.”

Acclimating to an American high school, too, was part of the challenge upon first arriving at Syracuse, Feagaimaalii said. Competing in track and field not only yielded results in the pit, but also in her language skills.

There is scientific evidence supporting the link between physical activity and English acquisition. A 2025 study by Frontiers in Psychology found that “integrating physical, cognitive, and linguistic activities may positively impact both learning outcomes and student experience.”

Feagaimaalii’s self-confidence has blossomed through competition and training, Wheeler said.

“I think it’s really good,” Wheeler said. “I think it makes her like feel like a part of the school and, you know, obviously being part of the team. I think that she sees how good she can be and how good she’s already done. Hopefully that’s enough to keep her in it, cause she’s awesome. We’re super lucky to have her.”

The state meet is scheduled for May 14-16 at BYU’s Clarence F. Robinson Track.

Connect with prep sports reporter Conner Becker via email at cbecker@standard.net, X @ctbecker and Instagram @standardexaminersports.