Mason Finley Finishes Eighth In Shot Put At USA National Championship Meet

June 27, 2010

DES MOINES, Iowa –

Kansas rising sophomore Mason Finley recorded a personal best mark in the shot put, while competing against the world’s elite competitors in the event at the 2010 USA National Track and Field Championships here Sunday.

Finley, who also finished eighth in the discus throw earlier in the week, opened the competition with a solid throw of 19.11 meters taking the early lead in the first flight of competitors. He increased his lead on the field with his new personal best mark of 19.74 meters (64-09.25 ft.) on his second throw, which was good enough to move him into the finals.

Once in the finals, Finley was going up against seven of the top 18 shot put competitors in the world. He recorded two fouls and was unable to improve on his earlier throw in the prelims, capturing eighth place. Finley, who earned All-America honors at the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships, was the youngest competitor in the finals.

On the track, KU rising junior Rebeka Stowe finished 12th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with her time of 10:30.51.

United States Junior/Senior National Championships

Des Moines, Iowa/Drake Stadium

Kansas Agate

Women

3,000-Meter Steeplechase

12. Rebeka Stowe, 10:30.51

Men

Shot Put

8. Mason Finley, 19.74 meters (64-09.25 ft.)