Capaldo Finishes 3rd in Texas Relays Decathlon

AUSTIN, Texas – University of Iowa senior Sal Capaldo wrapped up the decathlon in third place with a lifetime-best 7,305 points at the Texas Relays on Thursday. He cleared his previous personal best by over 100 points and updated his standing of sixth all-time at Iowa.

Capaldo opened the second day of competition with a first-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles, clocking a 14.57. He then matched his personal best in the pole vault, clearing 4.20 meters to place eighth. In the javelin, Capaldo recorded a career-best throw of 43.93 meters and rounded out the competition in the 1,500 meters, placing fifth.

In his decathlon opener, Capaldo tallied four personal bests and six top-five finishes, including the win in the 110-meter hurdles.

“Sal started the day with a great win in the 110-meter hurdles and a personal best in the javelin to record a PR in the decathlon overall,” Director of Iowa Track and Field Joey Woody said. “Once he puts it all together he’ll be on track to hit an NCAA qualifying mark.”

In the men’s hammer throw, senior Sean Smith was the top collegiate finisher, recording a 67.47-meter throw to place second. Junior Austin Busch finished eighth with a mark of 60.98 meters, while senior Walker Whalen rounded out the Hawkeyes’ effort with a throw of 56.44 meters.

Sophomore Duke Faley opened Iowa’s performances at the Bobcat Invitational in San Marcos, recording a 53.89-meter throw in the men’s discus to finish fourth.

“Sean led the way in the hammer throw, throwing right off his personal best from last year,” Woody noted. “Duke rebounded well from a tough season opener at UCF. He had a great throw over 53 meters and came close to his personal best from last season.”

Up Next: Iowa continues competition at the Texas Relays and Bobcat Invitational, and opens competition at the Florida Relays, Stanford Invitational and Mike Fanelli Track Classic on Friday. Action begins at 9:35 a.m. (CT).

HAWKEYE RESULTS
Bobcat Invitational
Men’s Discus
4. Duke Faley - 53.89 meters (176’ 9”)

Texas Relays
Men’s Hammer Throw
2. Sean Smith - 67.47 meters (221’ 4”)
8. Austin Busch - 60.98 meters (200’) 
17. Walker Whalen - 56.44 meters (185’ 2”)

Women’s Hammer Throw
15. Peyton Wilson - 54.29 meters (178’ 1”)

Men’s Decathlon
3. Sal Capaldo - 7,305 points, PR + 6th at Iowa

3. 100 Meters - 10.63
5. Long Jump - 7.09 meters (23’ 3.25”), PR
9. Shot Put - 12.37 meters (40’ 7”), PR
2. High Jump - 1.99 meters (6’ 6.25”)
4. 400 Meters - 50.03
1. 110-meter Hurdles - 14.57
8. Discus - 36.50 meters (119’ 9”)
8. Pole Vault - 4.20 meters (13’ 9.25”), =PR
9. Javelin - 43.93 meters (144’ 1”), PR
5. 1,500 Meters - 4:49.59