Wednesday, June 5
Eugene, Ore.
5:00 PM ET/2:00 PM PT
Liberty University
at
NCAA Division I Outdoor Track Championships
John Hicks
Hicks Paces Flames with 18th-Place Hammer Finish on NCAA Day 1
6/5/2024 11:20:00 PM | Track and Field
EUGENE, Ore. – Liberty's John Hicks wrapped up his collegiate career by placing 18th in the men's hammer on day one of the 2024 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Wednesday at Hayward Field. Meanwhile, fellow first-time NCAA qualifier Ben Shughart came in 21st in the men's javelin.
As had been the case at the NCAA Division I East First Rounds meet, Hicks' best throw came in round three. On what turned out to be his final attempt as a Liberty Flame, the senior reached 218-3 to finish 18th and match Jon Hart (2007) for the best NCAA Division I men's hammer placement in program history.
The Romney, W.Va., native closes his time at Liberty as a seven-time conference champion (three hammer, four weight throw). Hicks owns the program record for the men's weight throw (68-4.5) and ranks No. 2 all-time for the Flames in the men's hammer (220-7).
Shughart's best throw of the evening measured 216-5, good for 21st place in the men's javelin. Just about an hour before his competition began, the Conference USA champion was presented with the NCAA Elite 90 Award for owning the highest GPA (4.0) among the men's athletes competing in Eugene this week.
Wednesday's events officially wrapped up the season for Liberty's men's track & field program. The Flames swept the indoor and outdoor team titles during their first season as a Conference USA member.
Up Next
The women's portion of the meet will get going on Thursday. Paola Bueno will be the first of three Lady Flames in action on the day at Hayward Field, with the women's hammer slated for a 6 p.m. Eastern start.
As had been the case at the NCAA Division I East First Rounds meet, Hicks' best throw came in round three. On what turned out to be his final attempt as a Liberty Flame, the senior reached 218-3 to finish 18th and match Jon Hart (2007) for the best NCAA Division I men's hammer placement in program history.
The Romney, W.Va., native closes his time at Liberty as a seven-time conference champion (three hammer, four weight throw). Hicks owns the program record for the men's weight throw (68-4.5) and ranks No. 2 all-time for the Flames in the men's hammer (220-7).
Shughart's best throw of the evening measured 216-5, good for 21st place in the men's javelin. Just about an hour before his competition began, the Conference USA champion was presented with the NCAA Elite 90 Award for owning the highest GPA (4.0) among the men's athletes competing in Eugene this week.
Wednesday's events officially wrapped up the season for Liberty's men's track & field program. The Flames swept the indoor and outdoor team titles during their first season as a Conference USA member.
Up Next
The women's portion of the meet will get going on Thursday. Paola Bueno will be the first of three Lady Flames in action on the day at Hayward Field, with the women's hammer slated for a 6 p.m. Eastern start.
Players Mentioned
Hammer
/ Track and Field
Throws
/ Track and Field
Javelin
/ Track and FieldCoach Zealand & Ryann Aycock Give An Update On The Cross Country Season
Wednesday, September 17
Emma Unger: Every Step of the Way
Wednesday, May 14
Follow the Leader: Lance Bingham
Tuesday, May 13
Beau Backes: Following God's Calling in Two Worlds
Friday, May 02