BUTLER TWP — Like father, like son?

It's shaping up that way in the Bonetti household.

Clint Bonetti Jr., 11, entering sixth grade at Center Township Elementary, recently qualified for Junior Olympic Nationals in the shot put and discus for the second consecutive year.

At the regional meet hosted by California (Pa.) University earlier this month, he placed first in the shot put with a distance of 31 feet, 11 inches and third in the discus with a toss of 71 feet, seven inches.

Bonetti placed third in the shot put at J.O. Nationals in Sacramento, Calif., last summer, with a toss of 32 feet.

"I can see him improving all the time," Clinton Bonetti, his father and coach, said. "His technique keeps getting better."

Dad should know. The elder Bonetti is a volunteer coach for the Butler Junior High track and field team and a former standout in the shot put and discus himself.

Bonetti placed sixth in the shot put at the state meet as a Butler senior in 1988. He went on to become an All-American at Slippery Rock University, placing fifth at the Division II national meet in 1992.

"Clint tried the running events first, then the long jump, but eventually evolved toward the shot and discus," Mr. Bonetti said. "He enjoys the throwing events."

The younger Bonetti became interested in Junior Olympic competition through his sister, 16-year-old Ava, who has qualified for J.O, nationals herself in past years. She finished among the top 20 at nationals in the shot put and discus last year.

A member of Butler High's girls track team, Ava Bonetti scored 160 points for her team this past spring and qualified for the indoor state meet in the shot put over the winter.

She sat out this summer's Junior Olympic season with a sore shoulder that needed rest.

"I watched her do it and felt like I could do it, too," Clint Bonetti said.

He hasn't disappointed — nor has he grown tired of practicing.

This year's J.O. Nationals are in Wichita, Kansas. Though Clint Bonetti has qualified in both events, he will not be making the trip.

"We just can't work out the finances this year," his father said. "Next year's nationals are in Baltimore (Md.) and we're planning on being at that one.

"Clint will still be competing in the same age group (11-12) and he's proven he can succeed there."

He's certainly not resting on his laurels. Clint and his father practice three or four nights a week for 90 minutes at a time.

"It's fine," Clint said of missing out on this year's nationals. "Next year is the goal."

Clint Bonetti played guard and defensive tackle for the Butler Lil' Tornado football team last fall. He is not playing football this season, but plans to play for the junior high team in 2012.

In the meantime, there's work to do on his throws.

"In the shot, I'm working on my glide. In the discus, it's my spin," he said.

"He's getting there," his father said. "At this point, it's all about technique."