Johnson Soars to National Lead at Hawkeye Invite Opener

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa junior thrower Ryan Johnson became the fourth-best weight thrower in NCAA Division I history on Friday at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. Johnson fired a 24.85-meter throw to move into the DI lead and update Iowa’s school record.

Along with becoming the fourth-best thrower in DI history, Johnson is fifth in overall collegiate history. On the national scene, he is the 11th-best performer in US history and 12th-best individual in the world all-time. The Springboro, Ohio, native also posted a facility record and a Hawkeye Invitational meet record.

“That’s awesome,” Johnson said after learning where he landed in several record books. “But I don’t really put a lot of stock into record books. They’ll always change and when I look back on my life, it isn’t going to be defined by record books. It will be defined by who I surround myself with and who I influence. More than anything, we have such a strong group. Our faith brings us closer together and I am so blessed to be with such an encouraging group.”

Johnson fouled on his first two attempts and settled in with a 24.36-meter throw to earn three more tries. His final throw crushed the previous school record, which he set a season ago.

“Ryan did a good job settling down with two fouls and then building on the good parts of the technique from his third throw,” associate head coach and throws coach Ray Robinson said. “Once he stopped forcing so much, he allowed the ball to go far. Any time you’re talking about world and national all-time lists, you know you’re in pretty good company.”

“God is good,” Johnson said following his performance. “This was very similar to indoor nationals. I am going to go all out for every throw. At my indoor performance last year, I only got two legal throws. It was similar to today where I only had three legal attempts. I am going to go and give it everything I’ve got.”

The Hawkeyes added strong, consistent performances from Sean Smith, Austin Busch and Walker Whalen in the weight throw. Smith placed second at 22.28 meters and climbed to third in the DI rankings. Busch followed in third at 19.85 meters. Whalen rounded out Iowa’s performances in the ring with a throw of 18.72 meters.

“The men’s weight had a pretty solid day,” said Robinson. “Technically, I thought we were just okay. Sean had a much better mark on the season, but we have a lot more on the table with him, which is exciting. There isn’t a group of men I’d rather be involved with. They work really well together and pull the best from each other.”

Junior Wisdom Williams added another title for the Hawkeyes, winning the shot put with a 15.74-meter mark. It is her second shot put title of the season after winning at the season-opening Jimmy Grant Invitational in December. Junior multi Carlee Rochford finished in third at 12.50 meters.

“Considering where we’re at with our training, I thought we performed pretty well today,” Robinson added. “Wisdom competed really well and we are battling some things during this time of year. We have the Arkansas meet circled next weekend and are expecting some good performances down there.”

In the men’s shot put, multi Sal Capaldo placed 10th with an 11.97-meter effort.

Up Next: Iowa continues the Hawkeye Invitational at the track on Saturday. Events begin inside the Hawkeye Indoor Track Facility at Noon. Admission is free. 

HAWKEYE RESULTS
Men’s Weight Throw
1. Ryan Johnson - 24.85 meters (81’ 6.50”), 1st in D1, Meet & Facility Record, School Record
2. Sean Smith - 22.28 meters (73’ 1.25”), 3rd in D1
3. Austin Busch - 19.85 meters (65’ 1.50”)
6. Walker Whalen - 18.72 meters (61’ 5”)

Men’s Shot Put
10. Sal Capaldo - 11.97 meters (39’ 3.25”)

Women’s Shot Put
1. Wisdom Williams - 15.74 meters (51’ 7.75”), SB
3. Carlee Rochford - 12.50 meters (41’ 0.25”)