Salute to Seniors: Charlie Ionata

Barrington’s Charlie Ionata couldn’t have asked for a better finish to his high school career. Ionata dominated the weight events during the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons. He captured his first state crown on the indoor surface where he won the 25-pound weight. He had a best of 78 feet, 8.75 inches, a distance that ranked him No. 2 in the country. The Eagles’ standout didn’t let up his final season this spring where he was undefeated in the hammer throw in the region. He won the outdoor states and achieved a personal best of 241-0  with a victory at the New England Hammer Championships. At the June 2 state meet, Ionata collected 30 points individually by taking second in the javelin with a PB of 185-11, second in the discus with a PB of 159-8 and fourth in the shot put with a heave of 50-1. Ionata, who was ranked second nationally in the hammer all season long, secured the spot at the New Balance National Outdoor Championship where he was the runner-up to New York’s Rudy Winkler.

What would you consider the highlight of your high school career?

Breaking the Barrington high school records in weight, javelin and hammer along with making All-American - once during indoor track and twice during the outdoor season.

What was your most memorable performance?

The state outdoor meet in 2013, competing in four events with a tight schedule and winning the hammer, placing second in the javelin and discus and fourth in shot put.

What was your most difficult obstacle to overcome?

Balancing school work and practice and training, especially during my senior year with SATs, exams, a senior project and college decisions to make.

What advice would you give to younger athletes?

Be patient, listen to your coach and realize that improving in the throws is a long process that takes practice.  

What will you miss most?

Competing with all of the throwing athletes from Rhode Island in both the local meets and in the national meets where we all compete  together and support each other.  I will miss my coach and all of the Rhode Island throws coaches who support all of the throwers, no matter what team you are on.

What are your future plans? 

Competing in Division 1 Track and Field at Wake Forest University and earning a business degree.

What influence has your coach (or coaches) had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

Coach Gourley taught me that hard work and sticking with a developmental program will get results, and also that you have to balance track with all of the other things that high school requires.

Who would you like to say Thank You?

I'd really like to thank all of the throws athletes and all of the throws coaches who have made it fun to compete for the last four years and have been supportive, no matter what team you are competing for.  I'd especially like to thank coach Gourley and coach Palazzo, who have done so much to keep hammer throwing going in Rhode Island.