Johnson Sets School Record at Hawkeye Invitational

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa track and field kicked off the Hawkeye Invitational at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex on Friday afternoon. Sophomore Ryan Johnson set a program and facility record with a 24-meter throw that ranks first nationally in his debut.

“We had a ton of highlights today,” associate head coach Ray Robinson said of his throws group. “It was remarkable that Ryan came into a new place and within just a few weeks of training, got to showcase an absolutely massive series. Breaking the 24-meter barrier is not something you see very often. Sean has been fantastic in training, and although a little under the weather today, still had the best series of his life.”

“I thought that Peyton threw well today and made some steps towards where we know she can be. Alivia is really turning a corner. Wisdom was really good and had the same sort of thing after a tough opener, she took some major steps today.”

Appearing in the black and gold for the first time, Johnson rose to the top of Iowa’s all-time list with his first throw of 23.57 meters. Johnson would better that mark twice more in his series. On his final throw, the sophomore from Springboro, Ohio, climbed to the top of the national rankings with his 24-meter mark. All six of Johnson’s throws surpassed the 22.75 mark. Junior Sean Smith finished second with a 22.26-meter throw and freshman Bryce Ruland claimed third with 19.91 meters. 

Senior Alivia Bauer led the way in the women’s weight throw with a first-place finish of 19.58 meters. Junior Wisdom Williams closed out the day with an update to the Iowa all-time list. Williams’ 18.41-meter throw ranks ninth all-time, as she finished second for the Hawkeyes. Sophomore Sydnie Smith’s 17.73-meter throw secured her third place, while redshirt freshman Peyton Wilson rounded out the women’s weight throw with a personal best of 17.54 meters.

In the women’s shot put, Williams secured first place with a 15.41-meter throw. Freshman Pauline Bikembo finished in second with a personal best of 12.10 meters. Carlee Rochford wrapped up the day with an 11.12-meter mark, good for third place. Sophomore Annie Wirth (10.65 meters) and freshman Jeanne Le Goff (7.36) filled out the top five. Le Goff recorded a personal best in her second meet as a Hawkeye.

To finish the day, Duke Faley led the Hawkeyes with a fourth place finish (16.03 meters) for men’s shot put.  

Up Next: Iowa hosts day two of the Hawkeye Invitational on Saturday at the Hawkeye Indoor Track Facility. Field events begin at 11 a.m. (CT), before the men’s mile begins the running events at 1 p.m. Admission is free.

HAWKEYE RESULTS
Men’s Weight Throw
1. Ryan Johnson - 24.00 meters (78’ 9”) 1st at Iowa, 1st in nation
2. Sean Smith - 22.26 meters (73’ 0.5”)
3. Bryce Ruland - 19.91 meters (65’ 4”)
4. Austin Busch - 19.80 meters (64’ 11.50”)
7. Walker Whalen - 18.84 meters (61’ 9.75”)

Women’s Weight Throw
1. Alivia Bauer - 19.58 meters (64’ 3”)
2. Wisdom Williams - 18.41 meters (60’ 4.75”), PR, 9th at Iowa
3. Sydnie Smith - 17.73 meters (58’ 2”)
4. Peyton Wilson - 17.54 meters (57’ 6.50”), PR

Men’s Shot Put
4. Duke Faley - 16.03 meters (52’ 7.25”)
5. Bryce Ruland - 15.97 meters (52’ 4.75)
8. Abraham Vogelsang - 13.98 meters (45’ 10.50”)
9. Sal Capaldo - 12.59 meters (41’ 3.75”), PR
10. Will Davidson - 12.42 meters (40’ 9”), PR
11. Canaan Burnett - 9.06 meters (29’ 8.75”)

Women’s Shot Put
1. Wisdom Williams - 15.41 meters (50’ 6.75”)
2. Pauline Bikembo -  12.10 meters (39’ 8.50”), PR
3. Carlee Rochford - 11.12 meters (36’ 5.75”) 
4. Annie Wirth - 10.65 meters (34’ 11.25”)
5. Jeanne Le Goff - 7.36 meters (24’ 1.75”) PR