Kent State's Matthias Tayala Claims National Hammer Title
Story courtesy of Kent State Sports Information
EUGENE, Ore. – Kent State junior Matthias Tayala (McDonald, Ohio) was crowned the NCAA Division I National Champion in the Hammer Throw Thurs., June 12 at the National Championships at Historic Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
Tayala, who was sitting in third with one throw to go, claimed the title with a heave, of 73.57m (241' 4"). Tayala's new personal-best broke his own school record, which was previously 236' 7". On the night, Tayala's throws were: round one: 230' 8", round two: foul, round three: 224' 10", round four: foul, round five: 231' 2", final round: 241' 4".
"It feels great to be the NCAA Division I National Champion in the Hammer Throw. Going out there and on my final throw going from third to winning the title is a great feeling. I knew I could do it, I just went up there and gave it my all. My family is the biggest support I have and wouldn't be here without them. It feels good to do this not only for me but for Kent State, my coaches and for my teammates that are always there supporting me" Matthias Tayala stated.
With the hammer throw title, Tayala the 2014 Great Lakes Region Field Athlete of the Year, is a First Team All-American Selection.
"This is an outstanding day for Kent State athletics. On the Biggest stage in Colligate Track & Field at the most storied venue in America, Matthias Tayala hammered the best throw of his life. This is one of the greatest moments for me as a Head Coach in thirty-five years. Congratulations to Matthais, Coach Nathan Fanger and KENT STATE" Director of Track and Field Coach Bill Lawson mentioned.
Kent State's men's track and field team is tied for eighth place at the championships with 10 points, while the women's team is tied for seventh with eight points.
