Tuesday, March 28, 2017
NEW ORLEANS —For the fourth time this season, and for the first time outdoors, Concordia's McKenzie Warren has been selected as the U.S. Track and Field & Cross Country Coaches Association's (USTFCCCA) Division II Women's Athlete of the Week.
The senior thrower recorded a mark of 56 feet, 7.5 inches in the shot put last Saturday at the Willamette Invitational, winning the event by more than nine feet. She is currently sixth on the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field All-Time performances in the shot put. Adriane Blewitt of Ashland University holds the all-time best mark of 59 feet, 0.25 inches, which she threw at the Georgia Tech Invitational on May 16, 2003.
"I am really proud of how McKenzie (Warren) is doing during this block in her training," said Concordia Associate Head Track & Field Coach Jarred Rome. "She is such a hard worker and so determined and focused. After indoor season, we had to bump up the volume and she's been very sore and hasn't been able to get long throws yet. For her to throw 17.26 meters and PR in the hammer during this block is very impressive."
Warren also placed first in the hammer with a throw of 175 feet, 6.75 inches, and second in the discus with a throw of 175 feet, 8.25 inches. For her efforts, the Sandy, Ore., native also was named the GNAC Women's Field Athlete of the Week for the second week in a row.