IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa track and field opened its 2024-25 campaign with throwing events on day one of the Jimmy Grant Alumni Invitational inside the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex on Friday afternoon. Junior Sean Smith set a new school record in the men’s weight throw, hitting 22.49 meters on his final throw.
“I’m really pleased with how we came out and competed,” associate head coach Ray Robinson said. “This is just a sneak peek to see where we are at in training. A couple of the ladies are coming off injuries and it’s nice to see them out there competing pain free and along with that, I thought our young group did really well. Obviously, Sean had a great throw out there, it’s a school record, facility record and puts him in a great spot nationally. Today really showed the hard work these kids are putting in and I’m really proud of them.”
Smith dominated the day with his school record of 22.49 meters that also ranks third nationally. Redshirt sophomore Austin Busch bettered his all-time best at Iowa, moving up to the third all-time with a 21.32-meter finish and second place on the day. Closing out the weight throw, Walker Whalen secured a personal record with a 19.42-meter mark, finishing fourth.
“It was exciting to get out and open up the season with everybody today,” Smith said. “Our entire group did well. Coach Robinson prepared us well to open up the season strong. Our group has a lot of personality and we all fit well together. We are one big family and I haven’t experienced that anywhere else.”
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗 ‼️
Sean Smith’s 22.49-meter mark is a new Iowa record and ranks 3rd in D1!#Hawkeyes x #NCAATF pic.twitter.com/I7Ii7BL6rA
— Iowa Track & Field/Cross Country (@IowaXC_TF) December 13, 2024
Senior Alivia Bauer defended her weight throw title with a 19.34-meter mark in the meet’s opening event. Sophomore Wisdom Williams cracked into Iowa’s top-10 list, firing 18.27 meters in her weight throw debut while placing second. Sophomore Sydnie Smith (18.18 meters) and redshirt freshman Peyton Wilson (16.96 meters) rounded out the top four for Iowa in their debuts.
Williams picked up the first win of her career for the Hawkeyes with a 15.10-meter mark in shot put. Sophomore Sydnie Smith claimed second with a final mark of 14.39 meters and redshirt freshman Peyton Wilson finished fourth with 12.79 meters.
In the men’s shot put, redshirt freshman Duke Faley placed third at 16.67 meters.
Up Next: The Hawkeyes resume the Jimmy Grant Alumni Invitational on Saturday at the Hawkeye Indoor Track Facility. Action continues at 10 a.m. (CT) with the start of the pentathlon. Field events begin at noon. Running events start at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
HAWKEYE RESULTS
Women’s Weight Throw
1. Alivia Bauer – 19.34 meters (63’ 5.50”)
2. Wisdom Williams – 18.27 meters (59’ 11.25”), 10th at Iowa
3. Sydnie Smith – 18.18 meters (59’ 7.75”)
4. Peyton Wilson – 16.96 meters (55’ 7.75”)
Men’s Weight Throw
1. Sean Smith – 22.49 meters (73’ 9.50”), 1st at Iowa, 3rd in D1
2. Austin Busch – 21.32 meters (69’ 11.50”), 3rd at Iowa
4. Walker Whalen – 19.42 meters (63’ 8.75”), PR
Women’s Shot Put
1. Wisdom Williams – 15.10 meters (49’ 6.50”)
2. Sydnie Smith – 14.39 meters (47’ 2.50”)
4. Peyton Wilson – 12.79 meters (41’ 11.50”)
Men’s Shot Put
3. Duke Faley – 16.67 meters (54’ 8.25”)