Tuesday, February 28, 2017
by Concordia Athletic Communications

PORTLAND, Ore. - With her NCAA Division II record breaking throw of 57 feet, 9.75 inches, Concordia University senior thrower McKenzie Warren qualified for the USATF 2017 Indoor Championships that will be taking place this weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

"I'm really excited about McKenzie Warren's opportunity to go to the biggest track meet in the nation and compete against the best women in the shot put including Olympians and professionals, especially since were unable to go to the NCAA Division II Natoinal Championships untill next year," said Concordia head coach Jarret Mantalas. "Competing against the best athletes in the nation and the world will give her the experience needed since she wants and is heading in that direction. The goal for her will be to PR and if she does then she will break her own national record again as well as place top 5. Representing herself and Concordia University is an honor at this grand stage."

Warren is one of 12 athletes that will be participating in the Nationals this Sun., March 5 at 3:30 p.m. MT. Her mark of 57 feet, 9.75 inches, is the fifth best mark amongst the field. Nike's Felisha Johnson holds the farthest mark at 61 feet, 5 inches, followed by Jeneva Stevens of the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) at 60 feet, 10 inches.

At the GNAC Indoor Track & Field Championships two weeks ago in Nampa, Idaho, Warren captured the conference title in the shot put with her throw of 55 feet, 10.25 inches. She also won the weight throw with a mark of 56 feet, 10 inches.

"We are excited for McKenzie to go and compete against the best athletes in the United States in the shot put," Mantalas said. "McKenzie has worked incredibly hard and deserves this opportunity. This is really going to set up her outdoor season as she works towards the next set of goals she has."