Missouri
KansasRelays(O)
Cantwell Breaks 70-foot Barrier in Shot Put
4/20/2002 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
April 20, 2002
Lawrence, Kan. -- Junior Christian Cantwell knew he could throw the shot put over 70 feet this season, but he didn't necessarily realize it would be Saturday at the Kansas Relays.
The Eldon, Mo., native won the invitational shot put with his sixth toss in the event, a mark of 70-1.5.
"I've been doing well so anytime I step into the ring now, I think there's a chance to throw far," Cantwell said. "It was a lot of fun."
Cantwell beat out some of the world leaders, including Kevin Toth (currently No. 2 on the world performance list in the event) and Olympian Andy Bloom.
"They're great guys, and those guys are great ambassadors for this sport," Cantwell said. "Anytime I can throw well around those guys is pretty cool."
Cantwell's toss is the Missouri outdoor record and set the meet record.
"I think this is the biggest performance ever by a Missouri athlete," head coach Rick McGuire said. "This was just really neat."
Russ Bell had a great day himself in the invitational shot put, throwing a 61-6.25 to place seventh.
Not only did Cantwell set a school record, but sophomore Jennifer Bennett did as well in the women's pole vault. Bennett finished fourth at the meet as she cleared a height of 12-3.5. The old record of 11-6 was held by Bennett's teammate Lyndsey Tait.
Two other highlights from Saturday were the men's and women's 4 X 880 yard relays. The Missouri women won the event in a time of 9:13.31 and the men were fourth in a time of 7:40.99.
The remainder of the Kansas Relays was canceled at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday because of rain and thunderstorms.
