On this day 61 years ago, Stony Brook Hall of Famer Paul Cuffari became our school’s first National Champion by finishing 1st in the 12-pound shot put at the National Prep School Track and Field Championships held at Madison Square Garden. Cuffari tossed the metallic sphere 54′ 8″, obliterating the field as the next closest competitor was Bronxville High School’s Durham Lawshe with a throw of 52′ 3.25″. Though Cuffari fell short of the meet record of 56′ 5.75″, in an exhibition throw after the contest he tossed the shot over 57 feet.

Keep your eyes on Paul Cuffari as he enters college in the fall. Perhaps a Stony Brook boy will be a contender for a place on the next Olympic squad!

~ April 1950 Stony Brook Bulletin

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