BIG DISCUS THROWS
Maybe it’s just a windy time of year, but the platters have been flying far lately.
Cal’s Mykolas Alekna flung one out to 229-11 (70.09) to win the Hamilton Invitational at Cal (April 05); it is the No. 3 throw in college history. His 229-8 (70.01) closer is No. 4.
Sam Mattis caught a nice one at the Triton Invitational (La Jolla, California, April 05), hitting 225-6 (68.74), with Reggie Jagers 2nd at 209-4 (63.80).
At Ramona, Oklahoma (April 06), Matt Denny moved to No. 5 in world history with his Aussie Record 236-5 (72.07). He also had a 233-4 (71.12) on his final throw of the day. Julia Tunks threw a Canadian Record 206-6 (62.95).
Trials 4th-placer Erika Beistle launched her disc 218-7 (66.63) at Grand Valley’s Early Meet (Allendale, Michigan, April 05). That missed Valarie Allman’s world lead by an inch and moved Beistle to No. 8 all-time U.S.
STANFORD INVITATIONAL
STANFORD, CALIFORNIA, April 04–05—As usual, the distances stole the show. New Mexico frosh Pamela Kosgei missed the Collegiate Record in the steeple by just 0.69 with her solo 9:15.93, winning by nearly 45 seconds.
Washington’s Chloe Foerster moved to No. 8 among U.S. collegians with her 4:07.32 win at 1500. The next day, she captured the 800 in 2:00.52. BYU’s Jenna Hutchins won the 5000 in 15:16.95. The 10,000 saw Oregon frosh Diana Cherotich run 31:45.22 for No. 9 on the collegiate ATL, with Arkansas’s Paityn Noe at 31:59.22 to become the No. 7 U.S. collegian.
A pair of Kenyan frosh battled to the end of the men’s steeple, Matthew Kosgei of New Mexico (8:22.13) taking the win over Kentucky’s Collins Kiprop Kipngok (8:22.67). Portland’s Matt Strangio took a deep 5000 in 13:24.14. Evans Kurui of Washington State won the 10,000 in 27:37.32 as 12, all collegians, broke 28:00.
The women’s field events also provided some thrills. Hana Moll of Washington vaulted 14-8 (4.47) and Alyssa Jones of Stanford went 22-4¼ (6.81) in the long jump.
MIRAMAR INVITATIONAL
MIRAMAR, FLORIDA, April 05—The wind never let up, but this pro/open meet still generated significant marks. Jamaicans Rohan Watson (9.99) and Yohan Blake (10.06w) led the 100 (2.7 wind). Jamal Britt hurdled 13.19w with a 3.5 wind, edging De’vion Wilson (13.23w). Jeremiah Davis led the long jump at 27-¾w (8.25).
Kayla White won the women’s 100 in 10.99w (3.3), and Tamari Davis rode a 4.1 gust to a 22.42w in the 200. Julien Alfred showed her strength with a 36.05 PR at 300. The hurdles went to Rayniah Jones at 12.76w (3.2). Ackelia Smith took the long jump with a legal 22-1½ (6.74) and Maggie Ewen threw an outdoor world leader with her 63-2 (19.25).
CLICK SHOOTOUT
TUCSON, ARIZONA, April 04–05—Fans of the throws saw some solid performances. Jordan Geist won the hammer on Friday at 243-6 (74.22) over Harvard’s Kenneth Ikeji (239-4/72.96). Geist then came back Saturday with a 70-7¼ (21.52) shot victory. Louisville’s Jayden Ulrich won the discus with her 197-8 (60.24); the next day she too captured the shot, throwing 60-9¼ (18.52).
