University of Missouri Athletics

A native of Beatrice, Neb. who lettered in track and field at MU from 1973 through 1976. Plucknett was a three-time Big Eight champion in the discus (1973, 1974 and 1976). He placed fourth in the discus at the 1976 NCAA Outdoor Championships, and earned all-America honors. Following his days at Missouri, Plucknett competed on the international scene, and qualified for the 1980 Moscow Olympics as part of the U.S. team. He did not get to compete, however, due to the United States' boycott of the Games. Plucknett later went on to set the American record in the discus at a meet at Stockholm, Sweden in 1981 with a heave of 72.34 meters (237 feet, 3 inches). That mark still stands nearly 20 years later as the U.S. record. Currently resides in Essex, Mo.