The Iowa track and field throwers launched themselves into the last home meet of the month at the Black and Gold Invitational on Friday.
Iowa fourth-year Jamie Kofron led the pack with a weight throw of 21.04 meters, earning a new personal record and the third-best performance in school history.
Kofron attributed her success to Iowa throws coach Ray Robinson.
“Coach Robinson made a last-minute change on Wednesday,” Kofron told HawkeyeSports. “It was tough trusting him, but he always has some genius behind the madness.”
Kofron also recognized the support of the throws squad after her performance.
“I think after that throw, I had either a hug or a high-five from every single person on the team,” Kofron said. “That is the part I remember. I never actually remember throwing PRs. It’s the stuff afterward.”
Fellow fourth-year thrower Alivia Bauer threw 19.20 meters in the same event. The pair finished first and second in the weight throw, respectively.
Second-year Sean Smith finished third in the weight throw for the men with a toss of 21.01 meters. And redshirt first-year Austin Busch followed closely behind, throwing 20.79 meters and placing fifth.
In the same event, fourth-years Jordan Johnson and Walker Whalen threw 19.95 meters and 18.69 meters, respectively.
In the shot put, fourth-year Kat Moody posted a strong mark of 16.22 meters. Moody placed second in the event.
Fourth-year Austin West — a multi-event athlete — represented the Hawkeyes in the men’s shot put and finished seventh overall. West’s throw measured 14.87 meters.
“That is good preparation leading into next week at Iowa State, which will certainly be the best weight throw competition nationally that week,” Robinson told HawkeyeSports. “I am really excited going into it. If we can tune things up and execute a little better, rather than try to make things happen, I think it will be a great meet.”
Up next
The Black and Gold Invitational will continue on Saturday at the Hawkeye Indoor Track Facility. Events will begin at 11:00 a.m.