Stein Sets Record on Day 1 at USF Alumni Invite

TAMPA, Fla. – University of Iowa track and field made five updates to the program top-10 lists on the first day of competition at the USF Alumni Invite. 

In the first event of the day, senior Mike Stein threw 79.26 meters (260’ 0”) to shatter his own school record in the men’s javelin. Stein’s throw would have ranked sixth nationally at the end of last season. The throw also would have placed runner-up at the USATF Outdoor Championships and third at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2023. 

“To open up the year with that type of series and PR really shows the growth he has had,” said throws coach Ray Robinson. “He has worked incredibly hard to put on a lot of muscle this season. He is throwing less excitedly, so that his technique does not suffer.”

Stein matched 75 meters or better in three out of six throws; his previous school record was 75.59 meters.  

“Coach Cody Roberts (strength coach) has done an amazing job with that javelin group,” says Robinson. “Their strength work and plyometric training, but also keeping them focused all through the winter season, when they are basically cheering on teammates and training. They came out rip-roaring and ready to go.”

Sophomore Elizabeth Korczak finished the day much like it began, with a victory in the women’s javelin. Korczak threw a personal-best 50.62 meters (166’ 1”) for the second-best mark in program history. Back on the men’s side, senior Drake Woody placed third with 57.72 meters (189’ 4”). 

“Coach Roberts takes pride to make sure our javelin throwers withstand and excel against the brutal positions and force involved in that event. It is the most physically-demanding throwing event.”

In the men’s hammer throw, sophomore Sean Smith and redshirt freshman Austin Busch each tossed their way into the program top-10 list. Smith placed third at 63.94 meters (209’ 9”), good for a personal best and fourth in school history.

Busch threw 63.72 meters (209’ 0”) in his collegiate outdoor debut, placing fourth at the meet and ranking fifth in Iowa program history. 

Freshman Maud Zeffou-Poaty also leaped into the top-10 list for the women’s long jump with a third-place mark of 6.10 meters (20’ 0.25”). That jump ranks sixth all-time at Iowa. Iowa’s other winners on Friday were seniors Kat Moody and Mariel Bruxvoort. Moody won the shot put with a throw of 16.83 meters (55’ 2.75”). Bruxvoort was the 400-meter hurdle champion, running 57.49.

HEAR FROM DIRECTOR OF TRACK AND FIELD JOEY WOODY
“We had a terrific first day of competition, in particular in the throwing events. Mike Stein kicked off our outdoor season this morning with a spectacular series of throws, including a massive PR and school record. Lizzy (Korczak) kept the javelin momentum going with a big PR and a great series of throws.

“The men’s hammer was another highlight, with huge PRs from Sean Smith and redshirt freshman Austin Busch. Both of those guys are hitting marks that will be in position to score at the Big Ten meet and make the NCAA first round.

“I was really happy with how Mariel (Bruxvoort) competed today in the 400-meter hurdles. She is off to the strongest start of her career and is set up for a great season. Isaac Lewis competed great as a true freshman in the 400-meter hurdles today. He showed that he will be a contender in that event at the Big Ten Championships this season.”

UP NEXT
Iowa finishes the USF Alumni Invitational on Saturday. Field events begin at 10 a.m. (CT).

HAWKEYE RESULTS

Men’s Javelin
1. Mike Stein – 79.26 meters (260’ 0”), PR + SR
3. Drake Woody – 57.72 meters (189’ 4”)
13. Sal Capaldo – 36.33 meters (119’ 2”)

Men’s Hammer Throw
3. Sean Smith – 63.94 meters (209’ 9”), PR + 4th at Iowa
4. Austin Busch – 63.72 meters (209’ 0”), 5th at Iowa
14. Walker Whalen – 47.77 meters (156’ 8”)

Women’s Long Jump
3. Maud Zeffou-Poaty – 6.10 meters (20’ 0.25”), 6th at Iowa
8. Kayla Hutchins – 5.75 meters (18’ 10.5”)

Women’s Hammer Throw
4. Jaimie Kofron – 53.73 meters (176’ 3”), PR
7. Wisdom Williams – 51.34 meters (168’ 5”)
10. Alivia Bauer – 50.05 meters (164’ 2”)

Women’s Javelin
1. Elizabeth Korczak – 50.62 meters (166’ 1”), PR + 2nd at Iowa
10 Isabelle Woody – 31.98 meters (104’ 11”)
13. Annie Wirth – 30.35 meters (99’ 7”)

Women’s Shot Put
1. Kat Moody – 16.83 meters (55’ 2.75”)
8. Wisdom Williams – 15.61 meters (51’ 23.75”)

Women’s 400m Hurdles
1. Mariel Bruxvoort – 57.49
9. Ali Frandsen – 1:01.86
10. Ellie Rickertsen – 1:02.31

Men’s 400m Hurdles
2. Isaac Lewis – 51.78
5. Philip Jefferson – 52.63

Women’s 800m
12. Katie Moore – 2:09.34, PR

Men’s 800m
5. Caleb Levy – 1:52.07
6. Chase Lovercheck – 1:53.05

Women’s 200m
13. Alexandria Edison – 24.09
15. Julia Pattison – 24.16, PR
30. Olicia Lucas – 24.57
39. Maud Zeffou-Poaty – 24.80
41. Audrey Biermann – 24.82
70. Annie Wirth – 25.96
74. Isabelle Woody – 27.99, PR

Men’s 200m
24. Connor Belken – 21.53, PR
28. Miles Granjean – 21.58