The Iowa men’s track and field team started the outdoor season April 2 with a third-place finish at the LSU Invitational and three individual champions.

Matt Byers claimed first in the javelin and broke the school record in the process with a throw of 245 feet, 8 inches. Byers’ first-place throw was more than 13 feet farther than his previous personal best, and it is currently the second best mark in Division I. Bill Neumann set the previous school record in 2002.

Junior all-American Erik Sowinski took first place in the 800 meters, crossing the finish line in 1:48.15. The time is the fourth-fastest in the 800 this year, and it’s also 0:00.15 off Sowinski’s outdoor season-best from a year ago.

Fellow All-American Ethan Holmes highlighted the 400-meter hurdles for the Hawkeyes, winning the race in 51.85 seconds. Iowa scored 20 of its 127.5 points in the event, as D’Juan Richardson finished third (52.74) and Keaton Rickels fifth (53.42).

Junior throwers Nick Brayton and Matt Banse also had successful weekends; they placed second in the discus and shot put.

The Hawkeyes’ next competition will be Friday and Saturday in the Sun Angel Classic at Arizona State.

— by Ben Schuff