The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Piperi named USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week
01.26.2021 | Track & Field / Cross Country
The reigning NCAA Outdoor shot put champion threw a lifetime-best to extend his NCAA lead last weekend.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Track and Field thrower Tripp Piperi was named the Men's National Athlete of the Week by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Tuesday. It is the first time Piperi has received the USTFCCCA's weekly honor, and the first time a member of the UT men's team has done so during the indoor season since Ryan Crouser in 2016.
Piperi, a native of The Woodlands, Texas, unleashed a lifetime-best throw of 21.12m/69-3.5 to win the shot put competition at the Wooo Pig Classic this past weekend. The mark, which came on Piperi's fifth attempt in the ring, improved his standing as the second-best shot put performer in school history. He trails only Crouser, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist and new Indoor world-record holder in the shot put, in the event all-time at UT. Piperi currently sits as the 17th-best performer in collegiate history indoors following his effort in Fayetteville. He is currently the NCAA leader and ranked third in the world this season.
The 2019 NCAA Outdoor shot put national champion, Piperi entered this season as a five-time All-American and five-time Big 12 Champion in his signature event. He has earned All-America honors and won the Big 12 title in the shot put in every season he has competed in thus far (Indoor 2018-20; Outdoor 2018-19). That does not include the 2020 Outdoor season, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
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