Stiff, an Ole Miss signee, overcomes two fouls to improve on Tennessee state record with 53-5 (16.28m) effort in last round at South Alabama, now equal to No. 12 in U.S. prep history

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Mensi Stiff, a recent graduate of Brentwood Academy in Tennessee, produced the best prep girls shot put performance in the country this season Saturday with a sixth-round performance of 53 feet, 5 inches (16.28m) at the Southern Throwing Series Meet at South Alabama.

Stiff, who improved on her Tennessee state record of 52-11 (16.13m) from April 15 at the Doug Hall Relays in Nashville, overcame fouls in the first two rounds before achieving a mark of 52-4.50 (15.96m) on her third attempt.

Stiff, an Ole Miss signee, improved to 52-9.25 (16.08m) in the fifth round, before equaling the No. 12 outdoor competitor in U.S. prep history with her final attempt.

Stiff became the 16th U.S. prep athlete to surpass the 53-foot barrier in an outdoor competition, joining previous national leader Carlie Weiser of Giddings High in Texas, a Texas A&M signee, and her 53-2.25 (16.21m) effort March 10 at the Buff Relays.

Stiff, who captured the title at Nike Indoor Nationals in March, rebounded well from a 48-11 (14.91m) performance June 3 at the Music City Track Carnival at Vanderbilt.