MADISON, Wis. – The UW men's and women's track and field teams opened their busy week with throwers competing at the Cal State LA Twilight Open on Wednesday at Jesse Owens Track in Los Angeles.
Olivia Roberts highlighted the day in the women's hammer throw with a win thanks to a throw of 203 feet, 2 inches (61.93m). Roberts ranks No. 14 in Division I this season with a PR of 208-11 (63.67) set at the Battle on the Bayou earlier this season and ranks second on UW's all-time list in the event.
UW also saw two other athletes place in the top 10 in the women's hammer as Danni Langseth and Chikere Oduocha finished fourth and ninth, respectively. Langseth threw 181-2 (55.24m) while Oduocha posted a mark of 167-11 (51.20m).
The men's side was strong throughout, seeing one PR and top-10 finishes from every athlete. Jacob Zednik broke his personal best in the javelin finishing second with a toss of 199-10 (60.91m). That mark ranks in the top-10 in school history.
Jason Swarens, Jacob Bugella and Nick Tomasovic all recorded top 10 finishes in the hammer throw. Swarens, who last appeared at 2024 NCAA Indoor Championships, placed third with a distance of 208-5 (63.59m). Bugella placed sixth with a toss of 198-8 (58.93m). It is his third top 10 finish in three appearances this season. Tomasovic finished ninth with a season best throw of 178-6 (54.49m).
Additionally, two UW athletes competed Wednesday night in the 2024 Australian World Athletics Championships. Current Badger Adam Spencer, who finished runner-up at the 2024 NCAA Indoor Championships in the mile, finished third in his heat in the 1500 meters at 3:40.21 to automatically qualify for Saturday morning's final. UW alum Ollie Hoare won the same heat in 3 minutes, 38.80 seconds to advance as well. The final will take place Saturday at 1:40 a.m. CT.
Up Next
The Badgers will return competing in California Thursday afternoon at the Bryan Clay Invitational and the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate. Events at the Bryan Clay Invitational will begin at 11:00 a.m. and select throwers and sprinters will begin competing at the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate at 1:00 p.m.
Cal State LA Twilight Open
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Jesse Owens Track
Los Angeles, California
Men
Hammer Throw
3. Jason Swarens - 208-5 (63.59m)
6. Jacob Bugella - 198-8 (58.93m)
9. Nick Tomasovic - 178-6 (54.49m)
Javelin Throw
2. Jacob Zednik - 195-7 (60.91m), PR
Women
Hammer Throw
1. Olivia Roberts - 203-2 (61.93m)
4. Danni Langseth - 181-2 (55.24m)
9. Chikere Oduocha - 167-11 (51.20m)
