by ANHATTAN, Kan. – Janee’ Kassanavoid (Comanche Tribe) cemented herself into Kansas State track and field history on Friday, shattering the nine-year-old school record and meet record in the women’s weight throw by an impressive 40 centimeters at the Steve Miller Open.
Kassanavoid’s record-setting weight throw mark of 21.81m/71-06.75 earned her one of K-State’s 17 first-place finishes at Friday’s meet, matching the most victories earned by the Wildcats in a single meet this season, the first coming on December 10, 2016, when the team also saw 17 first-place results at the K-State Winter Invitational.
“I thought we had a lot of really, really good performances today,” Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Cliff Rovelto said. “Obviously Janee’ had the school record and a personal best in weight throw, so that was huge. But there were plenty of other really good performances as well. I saw a lot of things that are encouraging for next week.”
The senior weight thrower’s toss came at an opportune time, as she was looking to make her mark as an NCAA title contender in the event with just one meet remaining before the NCAA Championship in College Station, Texas. The Lawson, Missouri, native’s throw not only shattered the Loren Grove’s school record (21.41m/70-03) and meet record (21.10m/69-02.75), but moved her to the fourth in Division I this season.
“Janee’ has been throwing really well,” Rovelto added about his record-setting weight thrower. “Coach [Greg] Watson has said she has had throws over that distance in practice. He knew it was coming. She has just done a great job and has made a lot of progress.”
