When she headed to Missouri State University last fall, Melanie Raterman expected to contribute right away.But she wasn’t planning on slashing any records or making a name for herself in one of the biggest meets of the year.That’s exactly what happened for the 2013 Warrenton graduate, who was an all-state thrower for the Warriors.“I didn’t really have to transition much, because of the work I had done practicing with my (club) coaches in Troy,” explained Raterman.In high school she had thrown discus and shot put, before an injury caused her to focus solely on her strength — the discus. Once she arrived to college, she began also throwing the hammer and weight.“Fortunately, I had two-and-a-half years of training under my belt before I ever got to college,” said Raterman.She began the season as one of two female throwers for the Bears, but an injury to her teammate left Raterman practicing alone much of the time. Still, she was able to exceed her expectations.“The season went better than I expected,” said Raterman. “In the beginning I was feeling really hesitant about it all.”The indoor season began in December, and it was at the Mizzou Indoor meet that Raterman transformed her ability by changing from a three-spin approach to a two-spin move.“At the Missouri indoor meet I couldn’t get my foot down on the last turn, so I kept throwing out of bounds,” said Raterman. “I switched to a two-turn, and I ended up getting into finals.”A pinched nerve hindered Raterman for a while, but it would be a return to Mizzou for the outdoor meet that saw her reach her peak.“My warm-up throws were really good, but I got into the ring for the actual competition, and I was really nervous,” said Raterman. “All my family was there.”Burdened by injury and frustration, she tossed a first throw of 43 meters.“I walked into the ring crying and threw my PR,” recalled Raterman, who heaved a throw of 49 meters.She had also bested a Missouri State school record that had stood since 2000.“We were the last event going, and we were throwing in the dark,” said Raterman. “My teammates were gathered around cheering me on, which helped get me fired up.”Raterman was uncertain about whether she would have any fellow female throwers on the team heading into her sophomore season, but ironically, a familiar face will be joining her. Wright City’s Brittany McPike recently decided to join the Missouri State track team after contacting Raterman.“I was pretty excited to get a message from her,” added Raterman.RATERMANDerrick Forsythe photo.