Published: June 10, 2009 01:12 am      

COLLEGE TRACK: U of L's Hnat competing in first NCAAs

Floyd grad to participate in shot put

Floyd Central graduate and University of Louisville junior Steven Hnat begins his participation in his first NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships today in Fayetteville, Ark.

Hnat competes in the qualifying round of the men’s shot put at 4 p.m. EDT. If he qualifies for the final round, it will be Thursday at 7:15 p.m.

Hnat received an at-large berth to the NCAA Championships after falling short of receiving an automatic bid in the NCAA Mideast Regional at Cardinal Park in Louisville May 29-30. He finished sixth in the regional with a throw of 59 feet, 63⁄4 inches, a toss that ranks 17th in the country.

It has been an unbelievable season for the former Highlander.

Hnat set the outdoor school record in five consecutive meets and reached the NCAA regional standard six consecutive times. His most impressive performance was at the Big East Championships in Philadelphia, where he won the conference title with a school-record throw of 60-61⁄2.

During the indoor season, Hnat set the school record in the shot at 59-91⁄2 and he finished second in the Big East Indoor Championships.

Hnat was named the Big East Field Athlete of the Week at least once during both the indoor and outdoor campaigns.

To follow Hnat’s progress at the NCAAs, go to www.uoflsports.com.