Stephen Hubona has designs on becoming a doctor.
Then again, the way the Benet senior has operated in the discus ring in recent weeks, his medical aspirations already have begun in earnest.
“We have had three triangular meets the last three Tuesdays,” Benet throws coach Tim Cederblad said.
Hubona has exploded in those three meets, with bookend performances in the mid-170-foot range. But a week ago Tuesday, Hubona had a regular-season defining moment when he unleased 186-feet, 10-inch toss.
A Class 2A All-Stater last season, Hubona has the new benchmark for the largest division — 3A — this spring. It was exactly 11 feet farther than his previous-best mark set a week earlier.
“When I released (the discus), it felt fantastic,” the Loyola-bound Hubona said. “(The flight) was a little low, so that made it seem like it didn’t go that far.”
The final distance certainly caught Cederblad by surprise.
“That 186- (foot mark) didn’t look like anything,” Cederblad said. “I was stunned.”
Hubona has not exactly come out of nowhere, however. The Redwings’ senior standout approached 180 feet last year while fashioning his eventual seventh-place finish at the state meet.
“The ring (at Eastern Illinois) was a little slick, but overall it was a fantastic experience,” Hubona said of the conclusion to his junior campaign.
Hubona has increased his season-best throw by 25 feet since his 161-plus effort at the Naperville North Gus Scott Invitational to begin the outdoor season.
“As the season has passed by I have become more comfortable with my spin and release,” Hubona said.
Unlike the shot put, for which Hubona has also made tremendous strides, the indoor season is to refine skills.
The track and field season is entering its most critical two-week stage: conference and state-qualifying meets.
Cederblad is convinced Hubona can make his presence felt on the grandest of stages.
“I just think everything is coming together at the right time,” Cederblad said. “(Hubona) is a natural. I truly feel comfortable that he is capable of throwing 195 to 200 feet.”
They are magical barriers in the event.
“Two-hundred (feet) has been my goal since the beginning of the season,” Hubona said. “I want to be break the (East Suburban Catholic Conference) record, which I believe is around 190, 192 feet.”
There will be no shortage of able competitors to elicit the best from Hubona.
“Our sectional is going to be at (four-time defending 3A state champion) Lake Park,” Cederblad said. “You’re not going to be throwing against anyone but the best.”
Lake Park has an unparalleled tradition in the two weight events in the past decade.
Hubona is up for the challenge.
