Kevin Bookout

By Shawn Touney
July 9, 2001

One quick look at 18-year old discus/shotput thrower Kevin Bookout reveals the obvious: that the 6-foot-8, 235 lb. Oklahoman is truly a man among boys. He towers among his competitors, and would certainly hold his own in the buffet line. His closely shaved head gives him an even greater intimidating presence.

More importantly, watching each one of his discus throws, beautifully executed in the circle before slicing through the air for a seemingly infinite length reveals a simple fact: Bookout is a champion among champions.

Competing along with more than 2,500 young athletes last week at the USATF Youth Athletics National Championships at Millikin University in Decatur, Ill., Bookout won two first-place honors in both the young men's shotput and discus, an age group consisting of athletes 17-18 years old.

On Friday, each of Bookout's six discus throws gradually improved upon his previous throw. His final throw of 58.56 meters (192 feet, 1 inch) was more than four meters better than any throw by the competition.

Bookout's giantlike stature contrasted the soft-spoken words the native of Stroud, Okla. had to say following his win.

"I usually keep throwing better gradually as the meet goes on," said Bookout with a discernable Oklahoma accent. "I've got a lot of confidence in both events right now."

Bookout's ability to balance two field events doesn't even compare to the full plate of sports that consumes Bookout's life. His 93 mph fastball has already gotten the attention of major league baseball scouts, while his success on the basketball court has led to numerous collegiate basketball scholarship offers. This week, Bookout made an unofficial campus visit to the University of Illinois, and got the chance to meet with Coach Bill Self.

Have you seen the current issue of Sports Illustrated? You'll see a full-page article featuring Bookout on page 50.

But Bookout is just one of several sports stars in his family. Oldest brother Casey is the all-time leader in home runs at Oklahoma, while another brother Kevin currently throws for the Oklahoma track team.

For now, the younger Bookout is getting by just fine as a three-sport star, but eventually a decision on whether to choose one must be made. Bookout's father, Dennis, feels that track and field will always be a part of his son's athletic life.

"God has given him a talent in track and field," said Bookout's father. "He's got things that you just can't coach."