May 23, 2009
Final Results
TUCSON - The UA wrapped up it's home meet schedule Saturday as it played host to some of the nation's elite throwers at the 2009 Tucson Elite Throwers Meet at Roy P. Drachman Stadium. The meet welcomed Olympians, All-Americans, and national team athletes alike in one of the most competitive throwers-only meets in the country.
Senior Zack Lloyd had his best meet of the season in the shot put event, with a best throw on the day of 20.01m (65-7 3/4). It was Lloyd's outdoor season best and improved upon the third place mark that he already held nationally, trailing just Milan Jotanovic of Manhattan and Ryan Whiting of Arizona State.
Lloyd finished third place overall in the event and while his performance was impressive, his thunder was stolen by Nike's Dan Taylor. Taylor - who had the unfortunate role of being the fourth place finisher at the 2008 Olympic Trials in an event where only the top three advanced to Beijing - has had an impressive 2009 campaign so far. His mark Saturday of 21.78m (71-5 1/2) was a new personal best and set a Drachman Stadium Record in the process. Taylor, the 2009 USA Indoor Champion, surpassed that of his coach and former Olympian John Godina dating back to 1995.
Sophomore Korion Morris had a career day in the event as well as he set a personal record of 17.70m (58-1) to improve upon his NCAA West Regional Qualification.
Freshman Tyler Johnson also set a personal record Saturday in the men's discus with his mark of 49.67m (162-11). Former UA All-American Adam Kuehl won the event with his best throw of 60.07m (197-01).
The Wildcats will be back in action as the season continues to wind down as the Wildcats with regional qualifications will head back to Eugene, Ore. to take part in the NCAA West Regional Championships. There, the athletes will battle one last time for a spot at the NCAA National Championships with the top five finishers in each particular event earning a right to compete in Fayetteville, Ark. in June.
