Williky/Whiting Lincoln/Kennedy?

In 1977, one of the most highly recruited shot-putters was Gary Williky, a resident of New Jersey, ON THE EAST COAST.

In 2007*, one of the most highly recruited shot-putters was Ryan Whiting, a resident of Pennsylvania, which is next to New Jersey, ON THE EAST COAST. Unbelievable.

Both Ryan and Gary have last names beginning with "W".  Eerie.

Both Ryan and Gary have first names which are 4 letters long.  Can you believe it?

Both Ryan and Gary have last names which are 7 letters long.  It doesn't stop.

Both Ryan and Gary have been known to wear Nikes.* Astounding.

Gary started his Shot Put career at Penn State and then traveled to Arizona State.  Ryan started his Shot Put career at Arizona State and traveled to Penn State.  Unprecedented.

Both Ryan and Gary are 6' 3" tall.*  Uncanny.

Both Ryan and Gary like puppies.**  (and possibly kittens.)

Neither Ryan nor Gary are Vegans.* Certainly.

Both Ryan and Gary are married. I'm stretching it, aren't I?

ASU/PSU have 3 letters each. (hat-tip to Gary!)

Tempe and State College each have 5 numbers in its zip code. (another tip-o-the-cap to Gary!)

Both Ryan and Gary have Facial hair. (one last huzzah to Gary for this one!)

Gary held the ASU Shot Put record from 1981 until 2010, when RYAN WHITING surpassed it. (Records were made to be broken.)

* Facts may have been altered to fit the narrative. So shut up already.
** Everybody likes puppies, right?

Here's a fine rendition of the Lincoln/Kennedy coincidences.