Home on the Forty Acres: Michael Piñones
Rohan Rumalla
3/6/2025
The Texas Men’s Track and Field team boasts a rich history of successful shot-putters. From Ryan Crouser—a three-time Olympic gold medalist, world record holder in shot put, and NCAA outdoor shot-put champion for Texas in 2013 and 2014—to Tripp Piperi—a two-time NCAA outdoor shot-put champion as a Longhorn—UT has consistently excelled in one of the NCAA’s most competitive sports. Inspired by these Longhorn Legends, sophomore shot-putter Michael Piñones chose to attend UT with aspirations of becoming the program’s next great champion.
Michael’s introduction to shot put came from his mother, who had competed in the sport during high school and encouraged him to give it a try. Growing up in the San Antonio area, Piñones was a natural athlete who excelled in various sports, but it wasn’t until middle school that he discovered shot put and quickly fell in love with it. The sophomore likens the sport to “throwing around a cannonball,” and recalls the thrill of competition and the drive to improve as motivating factors which led to him fully committing to shot put upon entering high school.
Piñones quickly ascended as one of the best throwers in the state of Texas, and he credited Juan Rodriguez, a Track and Field coach at East Central High School in San Antonio, for his immediate success at the high school level. Coach Rodriguez continually pushed Piñones to improve, both on the track and in all aspects of life. Michael credits him deeply, stating, “I give [Coach Rodriguez] as much credit as I can. He made the man I am today.” With his natural ability, relentless work ethic, and unwavering support from Coach Rodriguez and his parents—whom he describes as his “biggest fans and support system”—it was no surprise that Piñones began attracting interest from some of the nation’s top collegiate track and field programs, including the University of Texas. Just two days after an unforgettable visit to UT in early 2023, he committed, explaining that he instantly connected with the “Texas culture everybody always [talks] about.” As the first member of his immediate family to attend college, finding a strong support system was paramount for Piñones, and he explained, "I knew UT would be the place where I'd find my home away from home.”
Michael’s time on the Forty Acres has been nothing short of successful. As a freshman in 2023-2024, he consistently finished near the top in competitions, including a top-10 placement at the Big 12 Indoor Championships and a then-personal best throw of 18.47m at the Mt. SAC Relays. His progress has continued in the 2024-2025 season, with notable achievements such as winning his first collegiate competition at the Arkansas Invitational and setting another then-personal best of 18.80m at the Dr. MLK Jr. Invite. Recently at the Tiger Paw Invitational, Michael threw for his current personal best of 18.89m, earning him a 2nd place finish. With sights set on further success this season, Piñones hopes to reach the heights of stars like Crouser and Piperi, declaring, “I want my standard to be where their standard was.”
Beyond his accomplishments in competition, Piñones has also excelled academically, crediting the resources available to student-athletes given by Longhorn Foundation donors for his success: “I don’t really find myself struggling in my courses because of all the academic guidance and support we receive as athletes.” As a Communications and Leadership major, he has greatly enjoyed his coursework and values the guidance he has received from both professors and coaches regarding his future career path, which he currently envisions as coaching. Regardless of where his career takes him, Piñones is confident in the power of a UT degree, stating, “A degree from UT can take you far. Our alumni base really looks out for one another, and Longhorn loyalty is a real thing. I’m so grateful to be a student here at Texas, and the school’s prestige mixed with the people is like a match made in heaven.”
I'm so grateful to be a student here at Texas, and the school's prestige mixed with the people is like a match made in heaven.Michael Piñones
Reflecting on his time in Austin, Piñones could not be more appreciative of his decision to choose Texas. The first-generation college student has found success both on the field of competition and in the classroom, and found a tremendous support system in the process. Grateful for the opportunities Longhorn Foundation donors have provided him, Piñones expressed his appreciation by saying, “I want to let anyone who has ever contributed to Texas Athletics know that you also have contributed to me and my life, and I am so grateful. The dedication of those in the Longhorn Foundation has allowed me to pursue my academic and athletic dreams.” As Piñones gears up for the Texas Track and Field outdoor season this spring, the sophomore remains committed to embodying Longhorn Excellence every step of the way.
