MADISON, Wis. – University of Iowa Track and Field competed at the Badger St. Valentine’s Invitational on Friday, at The Shell, and set multiple all-time top marks.
“I like where we are at heading into the Championship season,” Iowa throws coach Ray Robinson said. “We are even stronger than we thought we would be and we’re expecting a ton of solid throws at the Big Ten meet next weekend.”
Junior Nicole Berry moved to fourth all-time at Iowa in the shot put (16.02m / 52’6.75”) and finished runner up. Berry’s mark ties for 11th in the Big Ten and ranks 45th nationally.
“For Nicole [Berry], 16 meters is a big benchmark distance and a barrier I was very excited to see her exceed,” Robinson said.
Freshman Sean Smith moved to fifth all-time on Iowa’s top-10 list in the weight throw (20.50m /67’3.25”) and also finished runner up. Smith ranks ninth in the conference and 44th in the NCAA.
In the women’s weight throw, senior Nia Britt was runner up (20.84m / 68’4.5”), narrowly missing a personal-best throw.
In the men’s shot put, the Hawkeyes finished with four men in the top-seven. Senior Nikolas Curtiss finished fourth (19.21m / 63’0.25”) and continued his strong season, and junior Elijah Barnes was fifth (18.38m / 60’3.75”). Sophomore Dawson Ellingson was sixth (17.76m / 58’3.25), recording a new career-best throw and freshman Quinton Lyons finished seventh (17.33m / 56’10.25”), following suit with a career-best throw.
The Hawkeyes hit the track in South Bend, Indiana, at the Alex Wilson Invitational tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. (CT).
HAWKEYE RESULTS:
Women’s Weight Throw:
2. Nia Britt – 20.84m (68”4.5”)
Men’s Weight Throw:
2. Sean Smith – 20.50m (67’3.25”), No. 5 all-time, Personal Best
Women’s Shot Put:
2. Nicole Berry – 16.02m (52’6.75”), No. 4 all-time, Personal Best
9. Ianna Roach – 13.90m (45’7.25”)
Men’s Shot Put:
4. Nikolas Curtiss – 19.21m (63’0.25”)
5. Elijah Barnes – 18.38m (60’3.75”)
6. Dawson Ellingson – 17.76m (58’3.25”), Personal Best
7. Quintin Lyons – 17.33m (56’10.25”), Personal Best