IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa track and field opened the 22nd-annual Musco Twilight with the three personal bests in the hammer throw at the Francis X. Cretzmeyer Track on Friday afternoon.

Sophomores Sean Smith and Austin Busch stood out in the men’s hammer throw, claiming the top two spots and moving up Iowa’s all-time lists with personal bests. Smith, a native of Webster, New York, came within two-tenths of a meter of the school record on his fifth attempt, throwing 67.78 meters (222’ 4”). In his final attempt from the circle, Busch launched the hammer a lifetime-best 65.22 meters  (213’ 11”) and received a large roar from the Hawkeye faithful.

In the women’s hammer throw, senior Alivia Bauer fired a lifetime best for the top collegiate finish. Bauer’s 56.64 meter (185’ 10”) toss improves upon her seventh all-time standing in Iowa program history. 

Senior Jamie Kofron placed third with a 52.33 meter (171’ 8”) throw.

QUOTING THROWS COACH RAY ROBINSON
“We had a really good day. We knew all week in training that Sean Smith and Austin Busch were ready to go. We are making the last push towards championship season. We manipulated their weight room activity and manipulated their ball set in the hammer to get them geared up for that. Today was a sneak peak. Sean had some much bigger fouls. Austin took awhile to get going, but he is still really young in just his second season throwing the hammer. To have the number two and five marks of all time at Iowa from a freshman and a sophomore is pretty impressive. Those two guys are going to get a lot better. It was exciting. It was a fun atmosphere.

“Jamie Kofron finished with a really nice throw in round six. I was proud to see that for her. Alivia Bauer getting the collegiate win was huge. She had a PR and her best collegiate series ever, by far. Much bigger throws are on the horizon for her. We are excited for where the group is at and are excited for tomorrow.”

UP NEXT
Iowa hosts the Musco Twilight on April 20 at Francis X. Cretzmeyer Track in Iowa City, Iowa. 

HAWKEYE RESULTS

Men’s Hammer Throw
1. Sean Smith – 67.78 meters (222’ 4”), PR + 2nd at Iowa
2. Austin Busch – 65.22 meters (213’ 11”), PR + 5th at Iowa
10. Walker Whalen – 51.32 meters (168’4”)

Women’s Hammer Throw (Collegiate Standings)
1. Alivia Bauer – 56.64 meters (185’ 10”), PR + 7th at Iowa
3. Jamie Kofron – 52.33 meters (171’ 8”)