March 28, 2009
TEMPE, Ariz. - The Purdue men's and women's track and field team got their outdoor season underway on Friday night, competing in the hammer throw at the Arizona State Invitational, hosted by the Sun Devils at Sun Angel Stadium.
Senior Ben Harpenau had an incredible start to his season, taking third place in the men's hammer throw, smashing the NCAA Regional qualifying mark and falling just shy of his career best with a mark of 63.81 meters (207-03). The throw is more than six meters more than the regional standard (56.80m/186-04), and 0.42 meters (1-04) short of Harpenau's career-best throw, which is fourth all-time at Purdue.
Junior Stacey Wannemacher took ninth in the women's hammer throw, missing the NCAA regional qualifier by one meter (3-03) with her best toss of 53.15 meters (174-04). She qualified for the finals with her top throw of the day, but was unable to best it with her final three throws. She'll complete the throws trifecta on Saturday, competing in the shot put and discus as well.
Action resumes Saturday at 10 a.m. (PST) with the women's discus.