Interview with Steffen Nerdal
Tom Borish sat down with Memphis hammer thrower Steffen Nerdal in a good interview. Click here to read the interview. One of his most interesting responses looked back at last season: "My best experience was NCAA regionals last year, where I qualified for
nationals. That was a highlight of course. Probably the worst thing
that happened to me was at nationals. I didn’t do very well and I
really took it to heart." He sure has taken it to heart and has started strong this season.
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NCAA Preseason Hammer Rankings and Preview
Men's Hammer
- Jake Dunkleberger (Auburn)
- Cory Martin (Auburn)
- Egor Agafonov (Kansas)
- Simon Wardhaugh (Boise State)
- Matej Muza (Virginia Tech)
- Walter Henning (North Carolina)
- Boldi Kocsor (UCLA)
- Matt Wauters (Idaho)
- Jarrod Stevens (Boise State)
- Branislav Danis (Georgia)
Analysis - Jake Dunkleberger is the defending outdoor champion. He also was as consistent as ever indoors. He improved over last season and took home his highest ever indoor finish with a second place performance this past weekend. While this year's competition should be close, he is the early favorite. His teammate Cory Martin has thrown nearly as far outdoors and was the favorite most of last season before placing third outdoors. While he redshirted indoors, he will likely be in top shape this spring and ready to compete for a title again. Agafonov won his second straight indoor title, but did not improve his personal best this season and has traditionally not placed as high outdoors.
While the top three throwers all broke 70 meters last season, no other returning athlete did so. While I have Walter Henning projected lower than he is capable of, I've heard that he will be focusing on the World Junior Championships rather than the NCAA Championships, and this may give an edge to competitiors in a close competition. However, it will also assure that he is in the front running to be the first American hammer thrower to win a medal in international competition in a long time. Matej Muza will be an interesting athlete to watch. As a freshman in 2006, he placed 6th at the NCAA outdoor championships. He had a stronger season in 2007 before fouling out at regionals and failing to qualify for nationals. After redshirting and improving this indoor season, he could be ready to make a big impact outdoors. Matt Wauters also is coming in under the radar since he redshirted the outdoor season last year, but still threw 65.22m. Branislav Danis is a junior college transfer from Central Arizona who surprised many with a throw of 69 meters two years ago. However, he struggled since then and only broke 64 meters twice last season. He did not compete indoors and it will be interesting to see how he opens up outdoors.
Women's Hammer
- Brittany Riley (Southern Illinois)
- Eva Orban (USC)
- Veronica Jatsek (Ohio State)
- Sarah Stevens (Arizona State)
- Loren Groves (Kansas State)
- Jessica Pressley (Arizona State)
- Astin Steward (Purdue)
- Kristen Callan (Virginia Tech)
- Laci Heller (Kansas State)
- Stevi Large (Akron)
Analysis - No one came close to Brittany Riley this indoor season. However, when looking outdoors, we must remember that she has never dominated outdoors like she has indoors. Last season, runner-up Jenny Dahlgren was the favorite heading into the NCAA championships despite losing to Riley by nearly 10 feet indoors. This indoor season, Riley through well, but failed to improve her world record. If one athlete can challenge Riley, it is Eva Orban. Orban placed third at NCAAs last year behind Riley and Dahlgren. Orban does not compete indoors, and started her outdoor season a few weeks ago with a near personal best. This past weekend she threw a new personal best of 70.18m and looks to be in good form.
Two athletes are coming off redshirt seasons. Both Loren Groves and Kristen Callan redshirted last year. Groves threw a new personal best of 63.75m and also improved this indoor season. Callan was slightly off her best with an effort of 62.68m last spring. But she has improved this indoor season and has traditionally thrown better outdoors. Annika Hjelm of Boise State also had one the top returning marks, but has moved back to Sweden and will not complete her eligibility.
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Six Rounds With Sarah Stevens
 I had the chance to catch up with Sarah Stevens (Arizona State) via e-mail. For those of you not familiar with Sarah, she is a very accomplished multi-event thrower. Most recently, she won the shot put and weight throw at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships for the second straight year. Last season, she placed fourth at the NCAA Championships in the hammer throw and fifth in the weight throw. She also won the NCAA indoor title in the shot put and represted the U.S. at the outdoor IAAF World Championships in Osaka. While we're sure she's had plenty of questions about the shot put and discus, we posed a few questions about the hammer throw. This the first of hopefully many interviews we've ever done, so bear with us.
Round 1 - How do balance training for the hammer and weight with your training for other events?
I typically train each of the events at least two times each week. In the Fall, we do a lot of work with the hammer. We will drill about twice a week an as the Fall progresses, we start throwing and drilling (half and half each day). In addition, we do discus and shot put drills during the Fall the other three days of the week. As the indoor season nears, we start throwing the weight twice a week, discus twice a week, and the shot put three times a week.
Because the outdoor season is longer, I typically use the weight as a training tool for the hammer. I am able to focus on my technique and when I pick the hammer back up in March, I'm very excited to throw. Doing multiple events adds variety to my training and keeps me excited about the next event.
Round 2 - What event do you like better, the hammer or the weight? How do you compare these events to the shot put and discus?
I like throwing the hammer more then I do the weight. Part of the reason is becaues of my size and strength levels. I'm able to move better with the hammer and technically I'm a better hammer thrower. When comparing all of the throwing events, my favorite is the shot put. Hammer is close second and the discus is in third. I'll be honest through, somedays the order of favorites is different. I'll have ups and downs in my training and being able to do multiple events gives me a chance to redeem myself if I'm having a bad day.
Round 3 - From what I recall, you picked up the event during your redshirt year, correct? What has been her biggest challenge thus far in learning the hammer?
I did start throwing the hammer my first year of college, and I think the biggest challenge for me has been learning to let the ball move me. In my other two events, because of where the shot/discus is held, I'm able to manipulate positions and put the shot/discus where I want it. I've had to learn that where I place the hammer during my entry will dictate what happens during the next few turns. It is difficult for me to "give up control" and that is something you have to do when throwing the hammer. Although it has been challenging, it's been VERY EXCITING at the same time, and I look forward to throwing hammer every chance I get.
Round 4 - Coach Dumble has certainly made himself known as one of the top coaches in the shot put and discus and Arizona State has one of the deepest throws groups in both events. What are your thoughts on his approach to training?
Coach Dumble is very knowledgable about the throwing events. I think the best part about working with him is that he knows what it is like. He understands the frustrations that come with changing your throw and is very understanding and helpful. He explains things in a variety of ways in order to insure that you "get it". He has been in our position before, so he realizes the amount of time and commitment it takes to be a college athlete. Not only does he know about the throws, he is also very knowledgable in the weight room. He designs all of our lifting programs and balances drills/throwing and lifting so that you get the most out of every workout. In addition, Coach Dumble cares about each athlete and wants us to be successful no matter what level it is at. He is very easy to talk to and has helped me learn how to balance every aspect of my life (track, school, family, friends, social, etc.).
Round 5 - Nationally, after Brittany Riley, there seems to be a grouping of women throwers around 70 feet this season. What do you think will differentiate the throws at the NCAA Championships?
When getting ready for the National Championships, I think the best thing to do is exactly what you've been doing all year. NCAA's can bring out the best in people and it can also bring out the worst in them. Understanding that everything is the same (the circle, the weight, how the meet is run, etc.) makes it easier to relax. I know that everyone is going to bring their A-game and the person that is the most prepared will throw the best. I think it is going to be a great competition and many women are going to throw well...
Round 6 - Do you have any goals for this season?
I have set many different goals for this year. One of my biggest goals is to make the Olympic Team in the shot put. With Nationals only a week away, I've been very focused on the shot put and the weight. I want to defend my indoor title and place higher in the weight. As a team, we have a chance to win the title again, so I want to score as many points as I can. I have set a few goals for outdoors but I'll sit down after Nationals and set more or change the ones I have now.
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2008 Season vs. 2007 Season
While we await the list of declared athletes for this coming weekend's indoor championships, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at how this season stacked up to last season. For both the men and the women, the top marks were better last season. Also, both men and women and nearly identical marks the further down the list you went. However, the men showed a significant improvement this season in the middle ranks. For instance, this season eleven throwers broke 21 meters whereas only eight broke that barrier last season. Check out the graphs below for a comparison of the two seasons.
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Preview of Major Conference Championships
ACC - Freshman Walter Henning of North Carolina is the clear favorite to take this year's title. On the women's side, the competition is more wide open. Khadija Talley of Miami has had some nice throws this year. However, both Kristen Callan and Brittany Pryor from Virginia Tech will put up a good fight.
Big Ten - This years conference championship looks to be a fight between Ohio State and Purdue. Lenny Jatsek (Ohio State) has been consistent all season and currenlty leads ths Big 10 by a slim margin of John Pullum (Purdue). Dave Ebersole (Ohio State) has come on strong lately and is ranked third entering the conference championships. Lenny's sister Veronica Jatsek (Ohio State) leads the women's field, with Astin Steward (Purdue) close behind.
Big 12 - Arguably this year's strongest and deepest conference, the men's competiiton will pit Chris Rohr (Missouri) against Egor Agafonov (Kansas). Rohr has the nation's best mark this season, but Agafonov sits in second and will likely be the favorite after winning the meet last season. Missouri also has secveral other men who have thrown over 20 meters. On the women's side, Loren Groves and Laci Heller of Kansas State lead the conference. However, a group of Missour throwers, led by Elisha Hunt, are not far behind.
MPSF - It's about that time of year when everyone asks: "What is the Mountain Pacific Sports Federeation?" Since the Pac 10 does not have an indoor conference championship, the MPSF meet has taken it's place with nearly every Pac 10 school competing. Boldi Kocsor (UCLA) is the big favorite for the men's title with Jason Lewis (Arizona State) as capable of an upset. Arizona State brings Jessica Pressley and Sarah Stevens on the women's side to help assure it's chance of walking away with a trophy.
SEC - This is a bit of an off year for the SEC after being one of the strongest conferences in recent history. The highest ranked woman from the conference is Shwawneise Williams (FLorida) who has the 15th best mark in the nation. Shanna Dickenson (Tennessee) is close behind and will make it a strong competition. Jake Dunkleberger (Auburn) leads the men's conference rankings by a high margin over Nate Rolfe (Georgia).
WAC - While the women's competition will not have many of the nation's best, there will be a great duel here between Simon Wardhaugh (Boise State) and Matt Wauters (Idaho). Both are approaching 70 feet and will make for an exciting performance.
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Division I Men's Indoor Season Preview
This year's NCAA weight throw finals could look a lot different. Both Cory Martin and Nick Owens have expired their indoor eligibilty, and a handful of other throwers have graduated. However, competition will still be tight. Leading the list of returners is Egor Agafonov. Agafonov has only thrown the weight for two years, but he found his groove last season, culminating in a season best throw of 23.60m to win the NCAA title in March. Agafonov returns with a personal best nearly two meters ahead of his next best competition: returning NCAA outdoor champion Jake Dunkleberger of Auburn. After an up and down 2006 season, Jake was quite consistent during 2007 and placed 5th at the indoor championships before his steller outdoor campaign. However, he will have to improved tremendously to top Agafonov.
Also returning will be Matt Wauters of Idaho. Having redshirted the outdoor season, Wauters flew under the radar last year. However, he has consistently imporved every indoor season, and placed 6th at last year's NCAA indoor championships with a personal best toss. Although only the eight best returner, Simon Wardaugh of Boise State was shown he will be in the mix come March as he produced a great toss over 21 meters at a pre-season December meet. Also new to the mix will be high school record holder Walter Henning of North Carolina. Although it is expected that he will reshirt, he is sure to produce some great throws throughout the season as he threw the high school weight over 86' last season.
Over the next week CollegeHammer.com will post previews of the Division I women, as well as other NCAA divisions. Stay tuned!
Futher Information:
Top Returners:
RANK ATHLETE YR SCHOOL SEED MARK DATE
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1 Egor Agafonov SR Kansas 23.60m 03-09
2 Jake Dunkleberger SR Auburn 21.87m 02-10
3 Matthew Wauters JR Idaho 21.27m 03-09
4 Jake Shanklin JR Wyoming 21.09m 03-03
5 Chris Rohr JR Missouri 20.86m 02-23
6 Tyler Dailey SR Missouri 20.68m 02-17
7 Nate Rolfe JR Georgia 20.60m 03-03
8 Simon Wardhaugh JR Boise State 20.48m 02-24
9 Jaroslaw Zakrzewski SR Kent State 20.41m 02-23
10 Leonard Jatsek SR Ohio State 20.36m 02-24
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Division I Women's Indoor Season Preview
Last season, Brittany Riley of Southern Illinois accomplished almost everything a collegiate thrower could. She won NCAA titles both indoors and placed second outdoors. At the NCAA indoor championship, she set a world record and outdistanced her nearest competitor by 9'11.25". She also won a US Outdoor title, competed at the World Championships in Osaka, and was even recently named the National Throwing Coaches Association Female Thrower of the Year.
Despite all the accolades she earned in 2007, this season could be even better for Riley. She already threw 79'6" at a pre-season December meet, which was over four feet better than she threw at the same meet last season. Her top competitors from last season, including Jenny Dahlgren of Georgia, have also graduated. The only question seems to be whether she can break her own world record.
After Riley, the race is close. Shawneise Williams and Sarah Stevens tie for the second best returning mark. Williams came out of nowhere last year by improving nearly ten feet over the 2006 season. However, she finished a disappointing 15th at her first NCAA Championships. Stevens is a multi-talented thrower, winning an NCAA title in the shot put and also qualifying for the World Championships in that event. With her power, anything could be possible for Stevens if she devotes some time to the weight throw. Stevens came on strong at the end of the season and placed fifth at the NCAA Championships in the weight throw and fourth in the hammer throw at the outdoor championships. Also keep an eye open for her teammate Jessica Pressley who threw over 70 feet two years ago, but struggled last season.
Elisha Hunt of Missouri is another top returner. While her mark is only the seventh best retruning mark, she threw at the NCAA championships. She beat both Stevens and Williams to place fourth at that meet. Loren Groves of Kansas State has also shown she has not lost form over the off-season. At a meet in early December, she was just a little more than a foot off of her personal best.
Futher Information:
Top Returners:
RANK ATHLETE YR SCHOOL SEED MARK DATE
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1 Brittany Riley SR S. Illinois 25.56m 03-10
2t Shawneise Williams JR Florida 21.16m 01-13
2t Sarah Stevens JR Arizona St. 21.16m 02-23
4 Khadija Talley SR Miami 20.91m 03-03
5 Veronica Jatsek SR Ohio State 20.87m 02-25
6 Loren Groves JR Kansas State 20.82m 02-15
7 Elisha Hunt SR Missouri 20.79m 03-10
8 Kristen Callan SR Virginia Tech 20.37m 03-03
9 Stevi Large JR Akron 20.30m 02-16
10 Jessica Pressley SR Arizona St. 20.30m 02-23
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Conference Championships Preview: Pac-10 On Top
This coming weekend will showcase the top conference championships, with the exception of the ACC. I know I am biased, but the Pac-10 looks to have the strongest conference this season. My first two years in the conference, the championship was won with throws of 64.21m and 63.66m respectively. The past two years things have changed. Here are the top five men with their national rankings:
5 Adam Midles SR USC 69.57m W 04-28
11 Brian Richotte SR Oregon 66.65m W 04-20
12 Boldizsar Kocsor FR UCLA 66.19m W 04-27
15 Martin Bingisser SR Washington 65.86m W 04-28
16 Noah Bryant SR USC 65.52m W 03-17
The women are even more concentrated among the top of the national rankings. Eva Orban led the conference most of the season until Britney Henry threw a season best this past weekend:
3 Britney Henry SR Oregon 67.54m W 05-05
4 Eva Orban SO USC 66.98m W 04-15
5 Sarah Stevens SO Az State 65.43m W 03-23
7 Carrie Johnson SR California 64.43m W 03-31
9 Jessica Pressley JR Az State 62.33m W 04-28
12 Julia Rozenfeld SR USC 61.46m W 04-28
The SEC is also up there with Cory Martin (1), Jake Dunkleberger (2), and Nate Rolfe (14) on the men's side and Jenny Dahlgren (1) for the women.
As far as regional rankings go, the west also takes the lead with eight of the top ten women and nine of the top eighteen men.
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Recent Entries
• Some Non-College Results for the Weekend of 5/10/08
• NCAA Men's Hammer Rankings Vol. 7
• NCAA Women's Hammer Rankings Vol. 7
• Results for the Weekend of 5/03/08
• More on Walter Henning Transfer
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