Dartmouth High’s Colin McCabe added state champion to his list of track accomplishments after his first place finish in the All-State shot put.

The senior topped 21 challengers with a 55 foot, 7.25-inch throw at the All-State Championship meet on February 26. His throw was three feet longer than his closest competitor, Newton North's Nathaniel Klein.

Boys track coach Jeff Reed said McCabe’s strong performance was no surprise, as he was already ranked in first place heading into All-States. Despite the win, Reed said McCabe struggled after his first throw.

“He won first place, but he wasn’t happy with his performance,” Reed said. “His first throw was his best one. After that he struggled with issues in his technique. He wasn’t able to improve his [personal record].”

McCabe’s remaining throws measured as such: 54 feet, 10.25 inches; 53 feet, 3.50 inches; 51 feet, 11.25 inches; 51 feet, 2.50 inches; and a foul.

McCabe will compete next in the New England Championship on March 4. Reed said McCabe will work out technique issues during practice over the next few days.

“He’s one of the few athletes who never likes to take a day off,” Reed said.

McCabe’s personal goal is to break the 60-foot mark. The shot putter set the goal after shattering a previous Dartmouth High distance record earlier this season. Reed said that McCabe has come close to the 60-foot marker during practice, and hopes to see him achieve that goal on Saturday.

All-States also featured a surprise appearance by senior Ben Paine in the 600-meter run.

“In a previous meet, [Paine] came in seventh place. We didn’t expect him to qualify for All-States,” said Reed. Paine finished his two-year track career in 17th place at All-States, with a 1:25.41-minute finish time.

“He was just excited to compete at that level,” Reed said. “He finished two places higher than he was ranked at.”