IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa throwers competed at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex on Friday during day one of the Black and Gold Invitational.
Senior Jamie Kofron improved to third in Hawkeye history with a weight throw of 21.04 meters (69’ 0.50”). The new personal best came on the sixth and final throw, heralded by an energetic slow-clap from teammates and spectators.
“I think after that throw, I had either a hug or a high-five from every single person on the team,” said Kofron. “That is the part I remember. I never actually remember throwing PRs. It’s the stuff afterward.”
Kofron placed first in the event to finish 1-2 with teammate Alivia Bauer, who fired a 19.20 meter (63’) toss. According to throws coach Ray Robinson, the mark was an important milestone for Kofron.
“Jamie had already graduated and had plenty of job offers,” said Robinson. “She felt like she had some unfinished business, and that was the driving force for her coming back.
“She has had a solid year up until this point, but she knew she could do better. For her to put it together in round six, with the clap and environment, it was amazing. So happy and proud of her.”
Kofron says the breakthrough came in part because of adjustments made in practice this week.
“Coach Robinson made kind of a last-minute change on Wednesday,” said Kofron. “It was tough trusting him, but he always has some genius behind the madness.
“I trusted him, and although it was tough making that adjustment the first few throws, he stuck with me. It ended up connecting and working really well on that sixth throw, and obviously it is fun to do it at home with all the energy here.”
Senior Kat Moody posted a strong showing of her own in the shot put, placing second with a throw of 16.22 meters (53’ 2.75”).
On the men’s side, sophomore Sean Smith led a group of four Hawkeyes in the top eight with a weight throw of 21.01 meters (68’ 11.25”). Senior Austin West placed seventh in the shot put with a 14.87 meter (48’ 9.50”) mark.
HEAR FROM THROWS COACH RAY ROBINSON
“It was a really solid day. We left a lot of meat on the bone in terms of top-end performance, with most of the group. Jamie Kofron touched on that with a massive, massive PR. She had 21 (meters) on her mind, and that is partly why she came back this year, so to do it in January is pretty exciting. I was really happy and pleased for her. She will keep building on that.
“Everyone else was really good, we just missed some small things. Today’s weight throw competition was probably the best field in the country this week. I think a lot of the guys, on every squad, were trying a little too hard.
“That is good preparation leading into next week at Iowa State, which will certainly be the best weight throw competition nationally that week. So, I am really excited going into it. If we can tune things up and execute a little better, rather than try to make things happen, I think it will be a great meet.”
UP NEXT
The Black and Gold Invite concludes tomorrow, Jan. 26, at the Hawkeye Indoor Track Facility. Competition gets underway at 11 a.m. (CT). Admission is free.
HAWKEYE RESULTS
Women’s Shot Put
2. Kat Moody – 16.22 meters (53’ 2.75”)
Men’s Shot Put
7. Austin West – 14.87 meters (48’ 9.50”)
Women’s Weight Throw
1. Jamie Kofron – 21.04 meters (69’ 0.50”), PR + 3rd at Iowa
2. Alivia Bauer – 19.20 meters (63’)
Men’s Weight Throw
3. Sean Smith – 21.01 meters (68’ 11.25”)
5. Austin Busch – 20.79 meters (68’ 2.50”)
6. Jordan Johnson – 19.95 meters (65’ 5.50”)
8. Walker Whalen – 18.69 meters (61’ 4”)