Monday, March 6, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - With her throw of 57 feet, 7 inches, Concordia senior thrower McKenzie Warren placed sixth in the shot put at the 2017 USATF Indoor Championships at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Warren, who was the only collegian in the competition, just missed placing fourth and fifth by inches.
"It was a great competition but it's hard when you're five centimeters under your own national record and tie out of a fifth place finish and an 1.5 inches out of fourth," said Concordia Associate Head Coach Jarred Rome. "She was so close, but I am so so proud of her she had an incredible indoor season and you cannot overlook the fact she got a national record this year. I know that she wanted to improve that today and she was capable of it. It's also really impressive that was the only collegiate athlete in the competition and she was competiting againste all professional athletes and Olympians."
Nike NYAC's Michelle Carter captured the shot put title with her throw of 62 feet, 5 inches, which she achieved also in her second attempt. Carter is the current American record holder and was an Olympian this past summer. Placing second was Felicia Johnson of Nike with her throw of 52 feet, 9 inches, while Jeneva Stevens, also of NYAC, with a throw of 59 feet, 2 inches. Chase Easley was fifth with her mark of 57 feet, 9 inches.
Seven-time All-American Christina Hillman finished ahead of Warren in sixth place with a throw of 57 feet, 7 inches. Rounding out the top eight was Nike's Kelsey Card with a throw of 55 feet, 2 inches.
"We are so extremely proud of McKenzie (Warren) as she competed against the best athletes in eh United States," said Concordia head coach Jerret Mantalas. "To finish sixth at this level is incredible. I am excited to sees her work towards even larger goals this outdoor season."