April 6, 2004
AUSTIN, Texas - Three Boilermakers finished among the top eight in the hammer throw Thursday at the Texas Relays. Senior All-American Keith McBride was Purdue's top finisher with a second-place effort of 213 feet, 8 inches (65.12 meters).
McBride's NCAA regional qualifying launch was a personal best by nearly four feet, and ranks as the second best throw in Purdue history behind Chris Brown's heave of 222-3 (67.74). The Valparaiso, Ind., native's previous best was 209-10 (63.97), which he recorded at the 2003 Big Ten Championships.
Thomas Freeman, a senior from Manhattan College, was the only competitor to finish ahead of McBride, recording an effort of 222-9 (67.91).
Also placing among the top eight were All-American senior Scott Hecht and John Paul Smolenski. Hecht placed sixth with his personal record of 200-10(62.22) and Smolenski took eighth with a mark of 200-5 (61.08).
Igor Kirin placed 20th, but still posted a regional qualifying mark of 187-11 (57.29), while on the women's side, Courtney Magnuson fouled on all three of her attempts.
Several Purdue athletes are expected to compete Friday, including Kenneth Baxter (100-meter dash prelims), Jocelyn Lindsay (pole vault) and Lindsay Blaine (javelin). Hecht also competes again Friday in the shot put.
A complete schedule and results of the Texas Relays can be accessed off the front page of Texas' athletics web site, texassports.com.