Ashland University junior Ryan Loughney (Grahamsville, N.Y./Tri-Valley) won his second consecutive national championship in the hammer throw on May 26 at the NCAA Division II outdoor track and field championships in Turlock, Calif.
Thursday was the opening day of the three-day meet and if Loughney was suffering from any jet lag, he hid it well. On his second throw of the day, Loughney unleashed the winning throw of 230 feet, 2 inches. That is an NCAA meet record, eclipsing the mark of 222-7 set by Ashland University thrower Kibwe Johnson on May 24, 2007.
Loughney entered the meet ranked first in the country and he did not disappoint his teammates, friends and fans. Throughout this season, he has dominated the collegiate competition. On May 26, second place went to Central Missouri's Drew Frizzell. Frizzell's best effort was 219-10.
Ashland University sophomore Garrett Grey (Grahamsville, N.Y./Tri-Valley) earned the bronze medal. He wrapped up the bronze with a throw of 208-4. Ashland senior Mike Jeffery (Dexter City, Ohio/Caldwell) was 10th (193-1). Junior Craig Call (Little Hocking, Ohio/Warren) was 15th (184-7) and senior Chase Sniadecki (Swanton, Ohio/Anthony Wayne) was 16th (184-1). The top eight finishers earn All-America honors.
Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.
