After watching a friend’s sister throw the javelin, Catasauqua’s Tory Simmons had an idea.

“I thought it was cool,” said Simmons. “I tried it and liked it a lot. It seemed pretty easy for me. I had played softball for a while, and the throwing part came pretty naturally to me.”

Naturally quickly transformed into successfully for the junior. At the Colonial League meet, Simmons finished fourth with a throw of 108-11, and she was sixth at districts with a toss of 101-10.

Her accomplishments came at the expense of a slight back injury that bothered her throughout the season.

“My coaches told me not to think about it when I was throwing,” she said. “It didn’t hurt then, but it did the next day. A doctor told me I should have some physical therapy and I will try it during the summer.

“With the back, I didn’t think I would throw as well. But I am pretty proud of myself and what I was able to do. I wasn’t sure if I would make it for districts.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock knew Simmons would be a factor in the event.

“Tory (Simmons) peaked at the right time this year,” said Rusnock. “It was exciting to see her medal at leagues, and her kick it into a higher gear. I can’t wait to see her throw next year.”

Simmons started throwing her freshman year and hit in the 80s and beyond. She hovered around 100 feet last season and figured she would pass the century mark.

“I really felt good about last year, and I felt I could do better,” she said. “This was my first time at districts and initially I felt a little intimidated because I was used to seeing the same girls at the meets.

“But I got over that quickly and became more comfortable with everything.”

Simmons played basketball and softball in elementary school and her father, Brian, was a driving force behind her participation. As a freshman, Simmons also joined the Roughies’ volleyball program and has played sand volleyball during the summers. She also is a varsity cheerleader.

With a personal best season behind her, Simmons is ready for the next step.

“My coaches want to work on my throws during the summer,” she said. “I feel really good about everything and am looking forward to next season.”