Dartmouth High senior Colin McCabe competed in his last high-school level competition on March 4, and placed despite an off day.

McCabe was the only Dartmouth athlete to compete in the New England Championship, and took third place for shot put in the 36-person tournament.

"He woke up that day and wasn't feeling 100 percent," said boys track Coach Jeff Reed. "His technique wasn't off. He just didn't have the energy he normally does."

McCabe's top throw for the event was 52 feet, 8 inches, nearly two feet short of the 54 foot, 10 inch throw that earned him first place in the All-State competition last week.

The competition featured the top six throwers from each New England state. Ahead of McCabe, Austin Lufkin of Maine threw 61 feet, 9 inches, and Marlborough's Manny Teo threw 53 feet, 5 inches.

Going into the competition, Dartmouth had hoped for second place, as Lufkin's throw was still four feet farther than McCabe's best throw, said Reed. Teo had a personal best that knocked McCabe out of the second place slot, he added.

"It's rare for most people to end the season with their best performance. [McCabe] still came in third for all of New England," said Reed.

Reed continued to explain that the placement was still incredible. McCabe only competes during winter track; in spring, he is captain of the baseball team, said Reed.

"The top shot putters do spring and winter track," said Reed. "We knew he'd improve, but to be the best [in Massachusetts], that was a surprise to us."

Reed attributed McCabe's training to his primary coach, Assistant Coach Wayne Cordeiro, who had held the school's record shot put throw prior to McCabe. Cordeiro made a 54 foot, 7 inch shot in 1965.

"It was really fitting for Coach Cordeiro too," said Reed. "We haven't had a thrower of that quality in half a century."

But ultimately, it was McCabe's attitude that got him to the New England Championship, said Reed.

"Colin was just hoping to finish with a [personal record]. He's not bothered by placement," said Reed. "He's had the right attitude, and that's really what's gotten him as far as he has. He worked really hard."

Reed added that schools are lucky if they can send one athlete to the New England competition. Dartmouth also sent Skylar Barthelmes in 2015 and 2016 for girls shot putting, said Reed.

Looking forward, Reed said that McCabe wants to continue throwing through college, but that he is basing his decision on academics first. McCabe still hasn't decided where he will attend college, said Reed.