April 29, 2004

NORMAN, Okla. - Senior Holly Scherder (Frankford, Mo./Bowling Green HS) won the women's hammer throw competition at the 2004 Big 12 Outdoor Championships with a school record throw of 199 feet, 4 inches (60.76m). It is the first time Missouri has had a hammer thrower in the 60-meter club. Scherder with her first Big 12 title is now a three-time all-Big 12 performer after placing third with the indoor weight throw earlier this season.

"I was feeling real great out there and I knew I could do it," said Scherder. "I had a great practice yesterday and felt confident in what I could do."

Scherder completed the preliminary round in the lead with a first throw of 181-11 (55.46m).

"I was a little jittery last night and couldn't sleep," Scherder said. "Once I got into the final, I got relaxed and did what I could do."

In the first throw of the finals, Oklahoma State's Delisa McClain passed Scherder with a throw of 185-11 (56.67m). McClain came into the competition with the best mark on the conference performer's list. Scherder regained the lead on her next to last throw with a toss of 190-4 (58.14m). Scherder was the last thrower in the competition, and knew she was going to be Big 12 Champ before she stepped into the ring and unleashed her best mark of her career and topping McClain by just less than 13 feet.

"I knew I had it and everyone was behind me on my last throw," Scherder added.

Check back for a complete update of today's action after the completion of tonight's 10,000-meter runs to finish around 9:30