March 1, 2002
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Junior thrower Christian Cantwell is moving up in the world -- literally.
Cantwell placed second today in the men's shot put at the USA Track & Field Indoor Championships with his throw of 68-5.25, the fifth-best mark in the world. Cantwell's mark was second only to Olympic silver medalist Adam Nelson, who threw a 2002 world-leading mark of 70-9.25. Nelson's other marks were lower than Cantwell's best, meaning Nelson's best mark Friday at The Armory was the only mark to beat Cantwell.
"I did the same thing I've been doing all year -- like coach says, this is just another track meet," Cantwell said. "When I was competing with these guys before (at Outdoor USATF's), I felt like I didn't belong here. Now I feel like I belong here."
Head coach Rick McGuire agreed that this time around was a different experience for Cantwell.
"He was in awe of these guys before -- now they look at Crhistian and they're in awe," McGuire said.
Earlier Friday, junoir Russ Bell made the finals in the weight throw, placing seventh. His best throw on the day was a 63-7. Bell was one of two collegiate throwers in the finals. Stacy Andrews of Ole Miss placed eighth with a throw of 63-1.5.