Johnson Leads Hawkeyes at USATF Championships

NEW YORK – Junior Ryan Johnson finished fourth in the hammer throw to lead the Hawkeyes at the USATF Outdoor Championships at Ichan Stadium.

Johnson landed a 73.68-meter throw on his fifth attempt to take home fourth place. The Springboro, Ohio, native was the second-youngest competitor in the field and placed two spots higher than fellow 21-year-old Texas Tanner from the Air Force Academy. Johnson was one of five contestants to surpass the 73-meter mark.

“Ryan had a terrific performance in his first US Championship outing,” Iowa Director of Track and Field Joey Woody said. “He was in third place going into the final three throws and hung on for fourth, missing out on the top three by just two centimeters. He competed extremely well against a very experienced field.”

On the track, Kalen Walker finished as a semifinalist and in 19^th place in the 100 meters. After earning an auto-qualifying spot in the first round, Walker ran 10.15 in the semifinals.

“I thought Kalen had a very good outing coming off of a tough outdoor season where he was battling some injuries throughout the spring,” said Woody. “I was proud of how he kept working throughout the summer to give him an opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best sprinters. Knowing he missed a lot of training and competitions this outdoor season, I thought he did well reaching the semifinals and finishing top 20.”

Luke Knepp competed in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and completed the race in 9:03.35.

“Luke didn’t have his best day, unfortunately, but he had a tremendous season and I’m super excited to see him build on this year going into cross country season this fall,” Woody concluded.

HAWKEYE RESULTS
USATF Outdoor Championships
Men’s 100 Meters 1st Round
17. Kalen Walker – 10.25, Q
Men’s 100 Meters Semifinal
19. Kalen Walker – 10.15

Men’s 3,000-Meter Steeplechase 
26. Luke Knepp – 9:03.35

Men’s Hammer Throw
4. Ryan Johnson – 73.68 meters