Sweigart Qualifies for Nationals in Weight Throw

Anderson University men's track and field junior Michael Sweigart qualified for the NCAA D-III Indoor Championships in the weight throw, which was announced on Sunday.

Sweigart captured first place in the weight throw with a personal-record (PR) distance of 18.46 meters (60 feet, 6.75 inches) during the Mount Union Final Qualifier on Saturday in Alliance, Ohio. His mark jumped Sweigart to 20th on the NCAA D-III leaderboard.

"I was really pleased with the last chance meet," Coach Nic Huffman said. "There was great competition to push everyone to their best. The last chance meets are so energetic. Michael took the energy and brought his best when it was needed. He had his best series all year, threw a big PR, then tied it again to earn the win and solidify 20th in the country. The field is so incredibly difficult this year. His same mark would put him in the top 10 last year! He's put in so much work and dedication, so I couldn't be happier for him to qualify for nationals and reach a goal he's had for three years."

"The meet was amazing and the atmosphere was electric," Sweigart said. "It was what I've been looking for all season long and I was able to come in and execute the plan we had put together. I walked out with the win and a national qualification mark, so overall, it was a great meet to be a part of."

Sweigart is scheduled to compete in the weight throw in the NCAA D-III Indoor Championships on Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. in Virginia Beach, Va.