Eagle Hammer Throwers Start Alumni Open With A Bang

The hammer throw is the signature event of every Ashland Alumni Open.
 
Friday's (April 23) start to the 11^th Alumni Open was no exception, as Ashland University's hammer throwers combined for four marks for the 2021 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, May 27-29 at Grand Valley State.
 
In the men's hammer throw invite class, senior Alex Hill improved upon his previous automatic nationals mark, winning the event at 69.96 meters/229-feet-6. That mark will keep Hill as the No. 2-ranked men's hammer thrower in the country.
 
The women's hammer throw invite competition saw junior Makayla Pop finish fourth with her improved provisional distance of 55.32 meters/181-feet-6, and junior Carrol Pauley take fifth with an improved provo of 54.11 meters/177-feet-6.
 
Finally, in the day's first men's hammer group, senior Cody Patterson was the runner-up with his improved provo mark of 58.18 meters/190-feet-10.
 
In the opening women's hammer throw class, senior Gianna DiPippo won at 51.72 meters/169-feet-8, and junior Taylor Kroll took third at 50.05 meters/164-feet-2.
 
The 11^th Ashland Alumni Open will continue on Saturday (April 24), starting at 10 a.m. At noon, there will be a presentation for the 2021 NCAA Division II men's indoor national championship team.