Sweigart Punches Ticket to Nationals in Hammer

Anderson University men's track and field senior Michael Sweigart punched his ticket to the NCAA D-III Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the hammer.

Sweigart launched the hammer a school-record distance of 59.94 meters (196 feet, 8 inches) during Indiana Wesleyan University's Polar Bear Classic in Marion earlier this March, slotting him 11th on the final NCAA D-III leaderboard in the hammer. The top 22 participants qualified for the NCAA D-III Outdoor Championships in the hammer.

"I am excited for Michael," Throws Coach Chuck Foga said. "At the last chance meets, the distances were heading in the right direction. Practices have never been better. Michael has the distance to win it all, he just has to have everything come together on a throw. This is the culmination of hard work for Michael. I could not be prouder or happier of this young man."

Sweigart is making his first appearance in the outdoor national meet after twice qualifying for the indoor national meet. The senior from Alexandria locked up ninth in the weight throw with a mark of 18.85 meters (61 feet, 10.25 inches) in 2023. Sweigart then finished 10th in the weight throw with a distance of 18.63 meters (61 feet, 1.5 inches) in 2024. He was named a United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Second-Team All-American in both meets.

Sweigart was named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Thrower of the Meet for the third time in his career and for the second time in his career in the outdoor meet. He tallied 26 points during the HCAC Outdoor Championships after capturing his third hammer title. Sweigart also took second in both the discus and shot put. He also ranks 41st in the nation in discus.

"Michael has been so dedicated and worked so hard to be at this stage," Head Coach Nic Huffman said. "I know he is ready. Whatever the outcome is, I'm tremendously proud to work with him and have him represent AU."

The men's prelims of the hammer are set to begin at approximately 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT on Saturday, May 23 in La Crosse, Wis. Finals will occur immediately after prelims.