March 9, 2008

Merrill Ties School School Shot Put Record at Virginia Tech

    Blacksburg, Va. -- Youngstown State junior thrower Aaron Merrill tied his school record in the shot put this weekend at the Virginia Tech Last Chance meet.
    Merrill and senior Bethany Anderson were attempting to hit distances that would qualify them for next week's NCAA Championships at the University of Arkansas.
    Merrill came up short of hitting the provisional mark, and Anderson came up short of matching the distance she posted in the weight throw at the Horizon League Championships. Anderson currently ranks 25th in the nation in the weight throw but will need about 10 student-athletes to scratch in order to qualify.
    Anderson finished fifth in the weight with a mark of 62-0 1/4. Merrill had the top distance in his flight in the shot and placed 10th overall with a distance of 57-3 3/4.
    If Anderson does not qualify for next week's national meet, the Virginia Tech competition was YSU's last of the indoor season. The outdoor season will start on April 4 at the Pepsi Florida Relays, and YSU will host the 13th Annual First Place Bank Run with the Penguins 5K on March 30.