Agafonov Wins Third Straight Big 12 Hammer Throw Title
May 16, 2008
<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>BOULDER, COLO. – For the third consecutive year, University of Kansas senior Egor Agafonov won the Big 12 Championship in the men’s hammer throw on Friday – becoming the first person to do so in conference history. After one day of competition at the 2008 Big 12 Outdoor Championships in Boulder, the men’s team currently stands in third-place while the women are seventh. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
Agafonov led throughout his event, winning with a facility record of 67.65 meters (221 feet, 11 inches). His first toss of 65.89 meters would have been good enough to win the meet.
“I’m really happy that I won (the Big 12 Championship) in my last year,” the Togliatti, Russia, native said. “I am competing against big guys in the biggest conference. I’m really happy. Now I have to work very hard and go compete for a national championship.”
Junior Zlata Tarasova 59.98 meters (196-09 ft.) placed third in the women’s hammer. It was her best toss of the season and was only bested by the top two competitors in the Big 12. Tarasova came in to the meet ranked seventh in the conference.
In the final event of the day, senior Paul Hefferon scored in the 10,000 meter run for the Jayhawks. In his first 10,000 meter race of the year, Hefferon placed eighth with a time of 31:15.08.
Day Two begins with the final multi-events at 11 a.m. (CST). Field events start with the women’s shot put at 1 p.m. and track events open with the 1,500 meters at 5 p.m. Log on to www.kuathletics.com for all KU results and information.
KU Results:
Men:
Hammer: 1-Agafonov (67.65m)
10,000 Meters: 8-Hefferon (31:15.08), 12-Caprario (32:08.54)
Women:
Javelin: 13-Cunningham (35.70m)
Hammer: 3-Tarasova (59.98m)
10,000 Meters: 9-Harbert (37:30.73), 11-Miller (37:55.59), 14-McGregor (38:11.01)
