Menteer signs with Southern Utah

Even since he began high school, Chandler Menteer sought to earn a college scholarship.

Menteer's goal was realized when he signed a letter of intent last month to attend Southern Utah near St. George to compete in track. Menteer is receiving a full-ride scholarship from the Division I school which competes in the Mid-Continent Conference.

The Carson High senior went a long way to earning the scholarship last season as a junior with his performance in the shot put and discus. Menteer threw 165 feet, two inches in the discus and 52-4 in the shot put.

He placed sixth at the state championships in both events. He was the only non-senior to advance to state in both events.

When Menteer attended a camp in Utah, Southern Utah Coach Darren Dahlin liked what he saw and eventually offered him a scholarship.

"I always wanted a full-ride since my freshman year," Menteer said. "I decided before my junior year that this is the year that I have to perform. I worked hard and got it."

Menteer was also receiving interest from Northern Arizona, Oklahoma, Colorado and Stanford, but decided to sign early with Southern Utah.

"I signed early because I didn't want to go through the rest of the year wondering what college I would go to," he said.

"I like the coach. They have a great program. The academic program's awesome."

Menteer said he plans to major in nutrition and earn a master's in athletic training. Southern Utah has an up and coming program with All-Americans and a junior national champion.

Menteer, who has qualified for the Junior National Olympics himself, said he has a goal of eventually becoming an All-American at Southern Utah, which would mean a top eight finish in the NCAA Championships. He also has a long range goal of qualifying for the 2008 Olympics.

Another motivation for choosing Southern Utah near St. George was skiing, Menteer said. "I love the snow," he said.

As far as this year, Menteer has set a goal to win the state discus and shot put titles. He would like to reach 185-0 in the discus and 60-0 in the shot put.

The 6-0, 240-pound Menteer can bench press 350 pounds, squat 380 and dead lift 440.

"He liked my attitude, obviously my distances," said Menteer about why Dahlin recruited him.

At Southern Utah, along with competing in the shot put and discus, Menteer will compete in the hammer throw and indoors, the weight throw, two events he's never competed in before.

"I can't wait," said Menteer about competing in the hammer throw. "I know I'll be good for the hammer throw.

"I have the speed and the footwork for the hammer. My strengths are speed and strength itself. Still got a lot of practice to do on the form."