IOWA CITY, Iowa – Two University of Iowa student-athletes were champions on the first day of competition at the Hawkeye Invitational on Friday at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex.
Senior Alivia Bauer got things started with a victory in the weight throw with a 20.43-meter (67’ 0.50”) toss, improving on her personal record that ranks fifth in program history.
Bauer starts her season with back-to-back wins, following up on a championship outing on Dec. 9 at the Jimmy Grant Invitational.
“I think I have a lot more left in the tank, but I am moving in the right direction,” said Bauer. “This was such a fun day for the team. Everyone has been throwing really well. The entire group has been practicing hard. It’s exciting to do it in meets, but makes me excited for Big Tens.”
In the shot put, senior Kat Moody posted 16.38m (53’ 9”) to finish with the win.
On the men’s side, four Iowa weight throwers finished inside sixth place, led by sophomore Sean Smith throwing 20.90 meters (68’ 7”).
Redshirt freshman Austin Busch was close behind, placing fourth with a personal-best 20.72 meters (67’ 11.75”), which ranks fourth all-time at Iowa.
HEAR FROM THROWS COACH RAY ROBINSON
“I thought the group did a good job adjusting to issues related to weather, which affected scheduling and energy in the building. We had a lot of big PRs today. Any time that more than half the student-atheltes lay down PRs, it’s a good day. Austin Busch, a redshirt walk-on, posted two PRs today. What he did today puts him in contention for scoring at Big Tens and shows the work he has put in, as well.
Sean [Smith] and Kat [Moody], even though they were off in their respective events today, they still performed well. That shows us that their margin of error has grown. I thought Walker Whalen, in the weight throw, finally made a big step towards where he needs to be.
Alivia Bauer was fantastic. We still need to work with her on connecting things, but she continues to throw further without connection. That shows she is a real contender in the Big Ten, not only to score, but maybe to creep into medal position.”
UP NEXT
Iowa returns for day two of the Hawkeye Invitational on Saturday at the Hawkeye Indoor Track Facility. Competition begins at 10:30 a.m. and will be streamed on BTN+ (subscription required). Admission is free.
HAWKEYE RESULTS
Women’s Weight Throw
1. Alivia Bauer – 20.43m (67’ 0.50”), PR + 5th at Iowa
4. Jamie Kofron – 19.57m (64’ 2.50”)
Men’s Weight Throw
2. Sean Smith – 20.90m (68’ 7”)
4. Austin Busch – 20.72m (67’ 11.75”), PR + 4th at Iowa
5. Jordan Johnson – 19.40m (63’ 7.75”)
6. Walker Whalen – 18.76m (61’ 6.75”), PR
Women’s Shot Put
1. Kat Moody – 16.38m (53’ 9”)
Men’s Shot Put
5. Quintin Lyons – 16.65m (54’ 7.50”)
9. Austin West – 14.90m (48’ 10.75”), PR