MOORHEAD, Minn. - From 2005 through last week, North Dakota's men's hammer throw record had stood untouched. Last night at the Cobber Twilight, sophomore Shawn Johnson eclipsed it for the second time in four days.

Johnson recorded a school-record throw of 180 feet, 2 inches, topping the standard of 177-10 he had set on Saturday at Long Beach State. The previous school record of 172-10 had been set by Josh Haugan in 2005.

Johnson wasn't finished there, however. The Eveleth, Minn., native won the discus with a throw of 161 feet, 3 inches, was the runner-up in the shot put with a mark of 51-7, and took third in the hammer throw with a heave of 180-2.

UND sent only throwers to the Cobber Twilight and each enjoyed significant performances.

Sophomore Alex Hickel (Grand Forks, N.D.) won the javelin with a personal-record throw of 184 feet, 9 inches. He also took sixth in the discus with a mark of 146-2.

Fellow sophomores Jakob Bissell (Plymouth, N.H.) and Roman Waldera (Minot, N.D.) each established personal records in the hammer throw. Bissell topped out at at 172 feet, 8 inches, while Waldera checked in at 171-8. The duo placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in the event. Waldera also placed third in the discus with a throw of 153-7.

The Fighting Sioux will return to action May 4 at North Dakota State.

 

~ Go Sioux ~