YSU's Neu qualifies for nationals in hammer throw

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Youngstown State's Connor Neu broke his own record in the hammer throw to advance to the NCAA Track and Field National Championships in Eugene, Ore., June 11-14.

Neu joins Bobby Grace, who qualified for nationals in the shot put on Thursday at the NCAA preliminaries.

On his first attempt, Neu crushed his old mark of 65.26m (214-1) with a throw of 66.19m (217-2), which put him in first place at the time.

He fouled on his next three attempts before notching a 64.27m throw to mark in the final round.

Austin McLean and Eric Rupe will attempt to become the third and fourth Penguins to reach the national championships when they compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase tonight at 8:50 p.m.

Jay Jakovina and Arnaldo Morales compete in the high jump Saturday at 5 p.m.