Track and Field’s Durocher Moves Up in Record Book
MESA, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona track and field team enjoyed a successful day at the Mesa Classic and in the hammer throw at the Sun Angel Classic Friday. Senior thrower Curtis Durocher moved past Brandon Hall (207-06) for third place on the all-time hammer throw list with his personal-best hurl of 63.57m (208-07).
"It was a good training week for me, so I knew I was ready to throw really far," Durocher said. "I wasn't surprised that I threw that mark, but I was really happy to PR (personal record) because I haven't in a while. I'm definitely not satisfied because I know there is a lot more in there."
The Belle River, Ontario native finished third overall in the premiere flight of the men's hammer, which featured 2009 national champion Jason Lewis of Arizona State. With his season-best throw, Durocher currently ranks eighth on the West Region hammer performance list and first in the conference.
Durocher wasn't the only thrower who enjoyed success Friday as senior Arshiya Hoseyni broke the Iran national discus record with her career-best throw of 41.77m (137-0.25). With her personal-best mark, Hoseyni also qualified for the Big Sky Outdoor Championships in the discus. The senior has already clinched a spot in the shot put, and currently ranks second in the conference for the event.
Freshman Leigha Graziano will join Hoseyni in Ogden, Utah for the conference championships as she threw 41.64m (136-7.25). It was the freshman's third collegiate meet.
Junior thrower Andres Rossini opened up his season Friday with a bang as he threw 55.81m (183-1) in the discus competition at the Mesa Classic. His opening mark is tops in the Big Sky, and currently ranks ninth in the West Region. This was his first meet since winning the South American U-23 discus championship.
In the men's 100-meter dash, senior Derrick Jackson hit the conference qualifying mark right on the nose as he crossed the finish line in a time of 10.95. The Utah native will head back to his home state to compete in the Big Sky Championships. This the second-straight year Jackson will compete in the 100m.
The Lumberjacks return to action Saturday as many members of the team will be competing for the second-consecutive day at the Sun Angel Classic on the campus of Arizona State.
