The "Grunt"

Cat Springs, Texas is located about one-hour’s drive west of Houston on the way to San Antonio, and is the home if of the annual thrower’s meet, bar-b-que, and keg party known as the “Cat Springs Grunt”. The event is held during the summer on a ranch owned by a couple of area throwers. All proceeds from entry fees and donations go to fund PUPs (Prevent Unwanted Pets), which is the name of an organization dedicated to spaying and neutering dogs and cats. The meet is very informal, lots of fun, and is obviously for a good cause.

The ranch has 2 permanent throwing rings, and one additional temporary ring is brought out for the annual meet. Some of the landing areas slope a little, but it’s always downhill; discus throwers who throw further than about 140’ risk having their discus hit a power line that runs across the landing area, which is usually only mowed out to about 160’; and throwers are cautioned to watch for snakes when retrieving their implements from high grass. Did I mention it was casual?

Events contested include shot put, discus, hammer, javelin, weight, super weight, 300 lb weight, and the always popular “mystery throw”. As the newsletter says, “All manner of heavy objects will be thrown”, and loud grunting is strongly encouraged. Last year’s mystery throw involved throwing a large, handle-less suitcase thrown for distance. Several creative techniques for accomplishing this were displayed.

The meet is a lot of fun and is a great way to try your hand at new events, in a relaxed setting. The “Grunt” T-shirts or caps alone make it worth attending. Participants come primarily from Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio/Austin, although there is always a contingent that makes the drive over from the Louisiana Cajun country (they talk funny over there). Last year’s field included two age-group World Record holders (one of whom decided to perform all events left-handed, just for fun), two former Olympians, a couple of nationally-ranked throwers, and then there were people like me.

This year I’ll take my camera so I can post some pictures after the meet.