Shot Putter Christian Cantwell Scratches from Kansas Relays

April 19, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Top-ranked thrower Christian Cantwell, a three-time Kansas Relays shot put champion, will not compete in Wednesday’s Invitational shot put competition.The former University of Missouri athlete out of Jefferson City, Mo., was originally slated to compete in the event, which is one of two events being contested in downtown Lawrence, but gave word Tuesday morning that he was scratching from the competition.

Cantwell is the defending champion in the event, having won in the 2006 and 2008 Kansas Relays, which was the last two years the event took place. He also finished as the 2005 runner-up and won the men’s college title in 2002.

Cantwell is currently ranked No. 1 in the world and is the reigning U.S. and World Champion.

Cantwell’s absence now leaves a field of eight throwers: No. 2 Reese Hoffa, No. 3 Cory Martin, No. 5 Ryan Whiting, No. 7 Dylan Armstrong, No. 10 Adam Nelson, No. 14 Dan Taylor, No. 16 Noah Bryant and No. 22 Dorian Scott. Hoffa, Martin, Nelson, Taylor, Bryant and Scott will all be in attendance at a press conference Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., in the Allen Fieldhouse Media Room.

The men’s Invitational shot put will be held Wednesday night at 6 p.m., in downtown Lawrence. The event is free to the public.