JACKSONVILLE, FL — Ranked as the 14th hammer thrower in the East, Alex Kristeller leveled up in Wednesday's NCAA East First Round by taking 12th place and earning his spot in next month's NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Kristeller becomes the second Jasper in as many years to take on the national field in Eugene, following in the footsteps of former teammate RJ Decker who secured 17th place nationally in 2024.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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On Wednesday at Hodges Stadium, Kristeller's top throw went 64.99m, edging out Virginia Tech's Lukas Baroke (13th) and finishing just behind Liberty's Kellen Kimes (11th).
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Kristeller and Kimes are the lone qualifiers from mid-major schools among the 12 hammer throwers who qualified from the East. Tarik Robinson-O'Hagan of Ole Miss set the East First Round record with a score of 74.51m.
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In 2024, Kristeller finished 16th place at the East First Round, narrowly missing qualification for Eugene.
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Kristeller's personal best in the hammer remains 66.90m, which he set at the Larry Ellis Invitational in 2024.
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A native of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the graduate student is in his second year competing for the Jaspers after a standout career at Widener University, where he became the Division III national champion in the hammer throw in 2023 and the indoor weight throw in 2022.
OTHER NOTES
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Graduate student Paul Brennan concluded his collegiate career with a high throw of 63.73m in the men's hammer on Wednesday. Brennan registered 20th place in the event at the East First Round.
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In his debut at the East First Round, sophomore Lewis Forster finished 28th in the men's javelin on the strength of a 60.09m throw.
QUOTES FROM MANHATTAN
Manhattan University Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Kerri Inman: "I'm very proud of Alex, Paul and Lewis for representing the Jaspers in the qualifying NCAA round. Alex earned a well-deserved spot in the finals in Eugene. I'm excited to see what he can do!"
NEXT UP
Kristeller will take his talents in the hammer throw to Hayward Field on the campus of University of Oregon for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships from June 11 to 14.
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