Trackshark focus: Cantwell king of the ring

Cantwell looks for his first national title (Kansas sports photo)

70 feet is the mark many shot putters consider to be the level for achieving greatness. Missouri senior Christian Cantwell already reached that mark several times including this season and will be a big favorite for the NCAA Outdoor Championship title.

Cantwell, a three-time Big 12 outdoor shot put champion, threw 70 feet, 5.25 inches to place second at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon several weeks ago. Cantwell finished second to American champion Kevin Toth who threw 71-4.75.

Missouri assistant track and field coach Brett Halter said, "I'm thrilled for Christian, simply an outstanding competitive effort. Christian always wants to compete with the world's best - today he had the opportunity and showed up with the best throw of his career.”

It’s been a world of strong performances throughout Cantwell’s collegiate career as he looks for his first ever title this weekend in Sacramento.

“Many people don't know that going into the NCAA meet last year I was seriously injured,” said the five-time All-American.

“I had hyper extended the middle two fingers on my hand three weeks before and until the day of the competition was contemplating not throwing.”

Now with his injuries behind him and his performances at the peak of his career, there is no telling what Cantwell will accomplish even more beyond the NCAA meet.

“I will work to try to make the USA team and hopefully I will,” said Cantwell on his chances of making the World team this summer.

“I believe that if I continue to improve and work hard everyday then on the trials day I will have earned a spot on the World Championship team.”

Cantwell is the first person to point out that he’s had great people around him who have influenced him in a positive way during his athletic career.

“There are so many people who have helped me get were I am and I am incredible indebted to these people,” said Cantwell.

“Since there are so many I will tell you two who have had a great impact on my career and they are my head coach Rick McGuire and throws coach Brett Halter. Without these two individual I would not be were I am today.”

Among Cantwell’s accolades includes being named the USTCA 2002 Midwest Male Athlete of the Year and a 12-time All-Big 12 performer. Of course, Cantwell would like to add the national champion medal to that list and he is fully aware of the honor.

“I felt I was the best thrower at the NCAA meet last year and I promise that I will do better at the NCAA's this year.”

One of the thorns in Cantwell’s side has been Nebraska junior Carl Myerscough who is the defending Big 12 and NCAA Indoor Champion. It should provide yet another great dual one last time between the two best athletes in the event at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Cantwell and the Tigers next head to the NCAA Championships beginning June 11 in Sacramento. The meet spans four days at Hornet Field on the campus of Sacramento State University.