UConn's Thompson takes men's hammer at The American Championships

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 12, 2017) Connecticut freshmen Cameron Thompson connected for a throw of 60.23 meters (197 feet, 7 inches) to win his first-ever conference title in the hammer throw at the American Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships at the Tom Tellez Track on the campus of the University of Houston. In the first day of competition (May 12, 2017), his winning throw can on his third attempt, but unfortunately, was shorter than his conference-leading mark of 60.67 meters (199 feet, 0 inches). Thompson was followed in the standings by fellow freshmen Aleks Rapp in second place with a throw of 59.0 meters (193 feet, 10 inches) and the third-place performance of Houston senior Damon Thompson (58.71 meters; 192 feet, 7 inches).

The East Carolina Pirates picked up fourth and fifth place with the efforts of Adam Manns (57.81 meters; 189 feet, 8 inches) and Ryan Davis (55.87 meters; 83 feet 4 inches). South Florida placed sixth and seventh, with East Carolina scoring the eight place points. In running action, UConn’s Emily Durgon took top honors in the women’s 10,000-meter run. The senior broke her own meet record with the time of 34:28.06. The previous record of 34:30.49 was set at the conference meet in 2015. UCF’s Anne-Marie Blaney took the silver medal (34:31.42) while SMU’s Hannah Miller snagged the bronze (34:47.28). In the men’s 10,000 meter run, Tulsa went 1-2 with Henry Pearce taking the gold and Adam Roderique the silver. East Carolina’s Jorge Montes grabbed the bronze.

The championships continue on Saturday with field events at 3 p.m. and running events at 5:30 p.m.