GENEVA, Ohio – Gustavus men’s throwing specialist Michael Hensch (So., North Branch, Minn.) took 17th place in the javelin Thursday at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships. Hensch’s throw registered at 182-10. Seth Nonnenmacher, a junior from George Fox, won the event with a heave of 227-1 setting a new stadium record at the SPIRE Institute.
“Any time we have a sophomore doing the things Michael is, that really sets a tone for good things to come,” Head Coach Dale Bahr said. “It also helps the rest of the team because he’s a good role model for getting in the weight room and getting better. To compete at the NCAA Championships as a sophomore, this is really good experience for him and I have no doubt he’ll be back next year.”
Hensch finishes his sophomore campaign with a long list of accolades. The North Branch native claimed MIAC titles in both the hammer throw and javelin to earn the league’s Outstanding Field Athlete honor. His javelin toss of 206-8 at the MIAC Championships broke the school record by exactly six feet, which was held by Paul Pehrson since 1990. Hensch also received two USTFCCCA All-Region honors for his performances in the hammer and javelin.