Wanless Posts Top American, Collegiate Mark In Shot Put
Saturday, April 23, 2005 | Women's Track and Field
Senior Liz Wanless (Belleville, Ill.) threw the top collegiate shot put mark in the nation, the best American mark and the ninth-best toss in the world in 2005 in leading a group of Gators to three NCAA regional qualifying marks Saturday at the Spring Fling 3 meet at the National Training Center.
Wanless led a group of three Gators at the meet as she was joined by junior Dara Altman (Tampa, Fla.) and sophomore Dana Van Wagner (Sparr, Fla.), both of whom posted regional marks in the pole vault.
"That was a big mark for Liz," Florida coach Tom Jones said. "Any time you get over 60 feet, you're talking about being in the company with the elite throwers in the world. And we're certainly pleased that we got another pole vaulter into the regional meet as well."
Wanless posted a mark of 18.50m/60-8.50 in the shot put, which also set the Florida school record by more than eight inches.
Altman recorded the second-best mark in the pole vault in school history by notching 3.98m/13-0.75. The mark is also the second best in the Southeastern Conference this season and stands as a Florida team best in 2005.
Van Wagner became the fifth Gator pole vaulter to qualify for the NCAA East Regional when she hit the regional mark exactly at 3.80/12-5.50. Her mark is a career best and ties for the seventh best in Florida history.
The Gators return to action when Florida travels to the prestigious Penn Relays April 28-30.
