Owen Twesme began throwing his freshman year at Palmer Ridge, but wishes he had started sooner. 

His analytical mind thrives on the technique involved with the sport, and he spends his free time watching YouTube videos of the world’s best shot putters. 

“He had no love for discus, just that giant cannonball,” Bears’ throws coach Tyler Dall said. “He was more than hooked.”

The senior’s love for the sport led him to a 4A shot put state title last season, and on Wednesday, he officially signed to continue his throwing career at Montana State. 

‘Today means that my future as a college athlete is set, and now I can go compete to the best of my ability with a great program for another four years,” Twesme said. “To go compete with the best in the world at my age means a lot.”

Twesme was among 13 athletes from Palmer Ridge to sign to compete at the next level in the Bears’ auditorium and was the only signee to commit to a Division I program. 

Despite an injury before the spring season, Twesme has quickly bounced back to set a personal-best throw of 58 feet, 11.5 inches, which he set at the Titan Invite on April 9. His eyes are on the 60-foot mark, more specifically the 4A state record of 60 feet, 4.75 inches, set by Carlos Tarin in 1997. 

“He’s a leader, he works hard, and shows how to be good,” Dall said. “He’s aiming to be an engineer, which may explain why he is the way he is in throwing. He loves solving problems.”

Twesme immediately fell in love with Montana State upon visiting in December and committed to the Bobcats in March. It was the first place he applied to, according to his dad, Troy, and it felt like home. 

The next step in Twesme’s march toward another state title is the Stutler Twilight at Cherry Creek High School on April 25, a meet with a history of breakout performances for the shot putter. As a freshman, Twesme threw for 40 feet, which was his best at the time. The next year, he set a personal best in discus. 

Twesme feels good about another personal best and wants to end his career on a high note. 

“This year is about doing the best I can,” Twesme said. “It doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing; if I do my best, I’ll be happy with what I do.”

Palmer Ridge signees:

Zach Austin, baseball, McPherson

Xavier Gonzalez, football, College of St. Scholastica

Macy Smith, softball, Southern Virginia

Liam Holliday, track & field, Dubuque

Diora Williams, soccer, Trinidad State

Hayden Oringdulph, track & field, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Esther Paulson, cross country/track & field, Seattle Pacific

Bryce Frazier, track & field, Hastings

Bella O’Donnell, track & field, Fort Lewis

Owen Twesme, track & field, Montana State

Nathan Moller, track & field, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Noah Grace Denison, track & field, Black Hills State

Carter Holstein, basketball, Buena Vista