This preview was written by Kevin Becker. To learn more about Kevin, read this feature we wrote about him. Also check out our other previews from this week: Division II women, Division III men, Division III women.
2010 Division II Men’s Weight Throw Preview
by Kevin Becker
The Division 2 Men’s Weight is poised to be a very strong competition this year. There have been some big December marks already, but a lot can happen in the 3 months between December meets and Nationals. With four men having thrown over 20 meters it will be a battle to determine who ends up with the national title. Drew Frizzell has the opportunity to defend his title, but it will not be easy. My prediction is a throw around 70 feet winning the meet. One thing I can say confidently is that nobody will touch Kibwe Johnson’s meet record of 25.08m! Here is some info on the top contenders:
Drew Frizzell, Junior, Central Missouri- Personal Best: 20.90m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 1st, 2008 NCAA Finish: 5th
Frizzell is the defending champion in both the weight and hammer, and he will certainly be looking for another one. However, defending a title is never easy, and it gets even harder with three other competitors breathing down your neck in the 20 meter range. He has shown to be a good competitor, and if he is healthy could be difficult to beat.
Mike Jeffrey, Junior, Ashland- Personal Best: 20.95m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 2nd, 2008 NCAA Finish: 8th
Jeffrey enters this season as a two-time All American in the weight throw and also had the farthest throw in Division Two last year. With another year of experience, and a 4 time Olympian as his coach, look for this Ashland junior to put up a good fight for the top spot on the podium this March. His season opener of 19.64m this December is a solid start to build upon.
Jason Stomps, Senior, Hillsdale- Personal Best: 20.60m, 2009 NCAA Finish: Did not compete, 2008 NCAA Finish: ND
After not competing in the 2009 season, Stomps is showing Division Two he is back and looking for some hardware. His December opener of 20.60m was a substantial PR and leads all Division Two throwers heading into January. If he can produce similar results in March he’ll be a contender to do some damage at nationals.
Aaron Falk, Senior, Hillsdale- Personal Best: 20.24m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 4th, 2008 NCAA Finish: 15th
Along with his training partner, Falk also produced an impressive PR to open the season this December. The 2009 season saw Falk earn All American honors in both the weight and hammer. He’ll certainly be looking to come back and be in the hunt for the grand prize.
Ryan Laughney, Sophomore, Ashland- Personal Best: 19.97m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 5th
Having an impressive freshman season in 2009, Laughney earned All American honors in the weight and finished as the runner up in the hammer with a throw of 64.97m. Unfortunately, he is currently sidelined recovering from knee surgery. He anticipates returning in late January. With a good six weeks before nationals, he could still be a strong presence if he is healthy.
Brian Allen, Senior, Pittsburg State- Personal Best: 19.59m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 6th
A returning All American, Allen will again be in the mix to score some points this season. As a senior, he’ll be making his final push to see how high he can finish.
Anthony Enyi, Junior, Minnesota State- Moorhead- Personal Best: 19.18m, 2009 NCAA Finish: Did not compete
Enyi did not qualify for the previous championships, but is off to a strong start in 2009 with a big personal best at 19.18m. If he stays healthy and consistent throughout the season look for him to be in the mix at the national meet.
Josh Koglin, Junior, Saginaw Valley- Personal Best: 19.15m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 8th
Another returning All American, Koglin will be looking to jostle for position and do some damage at this year’s national meet.
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