Chelsea Cassulo wins first-ever NCAA Hammer Throw title

Arizona Sports News online

Arizona State has it’s first-ever national champion hammer thrower, and her name is Chelsea Cassulo.

Cassulo won the national title on Wednesday at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore.

Cassulo had to play catchup on the day after being behind for most of it. Her opening round throw of 67.35m was her best for the day up to that point, but it was only good enough for third as she headed for her final throw, which she nailed, sailing it 69.12m, which gave her the title.

By virtue of having to fight her way to the top, Cassulo ventured into uncharted waters. During the outdoor season, she had never trailed in any of her meets, even though she was the national leader in the hammer throw.

Cassulo set a school record earlier in the season with a mark of 70.07m. The throw quickly catapulted Cassulo up the national rankings, as it was the sixth-best collegiate performance of all-time.