LA CROSSE, Wis. – Gustavus throwing specialist Michael Hensch (Jr., North Branch, Minn.) competed in the shot put Friday at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships and took 12th place with a heave of 52-1.25. Hensch exceeded his entry as he was seeded 18th out of 20.
Hensch’s first throw in the prelims went 50-2.5, his second went 52-1.25, and his third was a scratch.
“Mike was very consistent during the season with his shot put and it showed today,” Head Coach Dale Bahr said. “One of the reasons we sent him out to California and to the Drake Relays during the season is to see how he measures up with the top guys in the country and he proved why he’s in that company. It was “Mellow Mike” again today as he keeps his emotions in check, good or bad, but I know he’s happy to have this opportunity with the shot put and then showcase his hammer throw tomorrow.”
Hensch will compete in the hammer throw at 11 a.m. Saturday. The North Branch native is seeded 12th with a distance of 189 feet.