GMG senior discus thrower Jay Bessman pictured in Des Moines last week atop Drake Stadium’s iconic bronze statue of Spike, the university’s bulldog mascot. In his final high school season, Bessman not only made his debut appearance at the state championships, he also set the school discus record. PHOTO COURTESY GMG SCHOOLS/FACEBOOK

DES MOINES – GMG senior Jay Bessman was the fifth athlete to take to the throwing ring for the Class 1A discus competition at the 2026 Iowa High School Track & Field Championships held at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, May 21-23, eventually finishing in 20th place in his state meet debut.

Bessman entered as the 20th seed with his qualifying heave of 141 feet, 4 inches, and he narrowly missed matching that mark on Thursday, May 21. After a slow start, Bessman built up quickly and threw 139-5 on his last of three attempts to climb out of last place.

Bessman was the only 1A discus qualifier from the Iowa Star Conference.