Wildcats Wrap Up Tucson Throws Elite Classic
TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Track and Field wrapped up the Tucson Throws Elite Classic on Saturday at Drachman Stadium. The throws-only meet featured several Wildcats competing alongside collegiate and professional throwers in a last attempt to improve marks prior to the Pac-12 Championships. The two-day meet took place on Thursday and Saturday.
THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Sam Hala'ufia finished seventh in the men's discus with a personal best throw of 190-11 (58.19m). That mark puts him tenth all-time in school history in the event. Additionally, Hala'ufia has now posted a personal best mark in all six discus competitions he's participated in this outdoor season. Tapenisa Havea finished sixth in the women's discus with a throw of 166-11 (50.88m).
In the men's shot put, Tyler Michelini notched a fourth-place finish, posting a mark of 58-11.5 (17.97m). Sam Hala'ufia placed sixth with his second personal best mark of the day which was 56-10.25 (17.33m). Additionally, Michael Ogbeiwi finished seventh in the event. In the women's shot put, Tapenisa Havea finished seventh with a throw of 51-7 (15.72m). Hollan Powers also posted a personal best mark in the event.
Jesse Avina and Jared O'Riley finished sixth and seventh in the men's javelin. Avina's best mark on the day was 214-11 (65.51m) and O'Riley's best was 213-5 (65.06m). Aislin Martinez-Pompa ended in fifth place in the women's javelin with a throw of 148-3 (45.20m).
Ava David started the day off for the Wildcats, posting a throw of 192-2 (58.57m) in the women's hammer throw.
SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Saturday provided another opportunity for the Wildcat throwers to get marks on previously attempted events. To begin day two, Tapenisa Havea finished second overall in the women's discus.
In the women's shot put, Lauryn Love placed runner-up with a throw of 49-11 (15.21m). In the men's shot put, Tyler Michelini finished runner-up.
In the women's hammer throw, Ava David placed fifth overall with a throw of 189-10 (57.88m). In the men's hammer throw, Michael Ogbeiwi placed sixth with a mark of 194-9 (59.36m).
USATF THROWS FESTIVAL
Drachman Stadium was also the host site of the USATF Throws Festival on Saturday. The separate competition was run by USATF and featured some of the best professional throwers, high jumpers, and pole vaulters in the world, along with some former Wildcats.
Former Wildcat Jordan Geist finished fourth in the men's shot put with a throw of 69-8 (21.23m). In the men's hammer throw, Geist finished fifth overall with a heave of 244-8 (74.58m). Both of those marks meet the US Olympic Trial qualifying standard. Zach Landa finished ninth in the shot put with a throw of 63-9.75 (19.45m).
In the women's high jump, former Wildcat Diana Ramos finished fifth overall with a clearance of 5-9.75 (1.77m) competing for Venezuela.
UP NEXT
Championship season is officially here for the Wildcats as they travel to Boulder, Colo., for the Pac-12 Championships on May 10-12.
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