The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Crouser a semifinalist for The Bowerman
06.23.2014 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Junior thrower, who swept the 2014 NCAA shot put titles, is one of 10 in running for male athlete of the year award
NEW ORLEANS – Ryan Crouser was named one of 10 semifinalists Monday for The Bowerman, an award that honors the NCAA male and female track and field athlete of the year.
Crouser, a junior, won his third-straight national shot put title earlier this month at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. He won with a toss of 69 feet, 3 1/2 inches (21.12m) and was in line to score in the discus as well, but was unable to compete in that event after injuring his foot in the shot-put competition. Crouser was one of only two athletes in the nation to be ranked among the top 10 on the final 2014 NCAA regular season performer's list in both events.
A native of Boring, Oregon, Crouser is one of only five collegians to throw the shot put 70 or more feet and the discus 200-plus feet during a career. He posted a meet- and school-record toss of 70 feet, 2 1/4 inches in winning the shot put at last month's Big 12 Outdoor Championships. Crouser also captured the discus title with a meet and UT-record 209-8 (63.90m).
He also won both the 2014 Big 12 and NCAA indoor shot put titles.
A eight-time All-American, Crouser was voted the 2014 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Men's National Field Athlete of the Year last week.
The other semifinalists are Devon Allen (Oregon), Trayvon Bromell (Baylor), Edward Cheserek (Oregon), Marquis Dendy (Florida), Dedric Dukes (Florida), Lawi Lalang (Arizona), Deon Lendore (Texas A&M), Brandon McBride (Mississippi State) and Anthony Rotich (UTEP).
Three finalists for The Bowerman will be announced on July 9 before voting opens July 28. The winner of collegiate track & field's highest individual honor will be announced Dec. 17 at the annual USTFCCCA Convention. The women's semifinalists are expected to be announced Tuesday.
