AUSTIN, Texas - Fifth-year senior Morgan Shigo capped an outstanding career for Penn State track & field with an All-American performance on Wednesday, June 5. In total, three Nittany Lions competed on the first day of competition at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
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Morgan Shigo completed his senior campaign with his second-straight first team All-American award. Shigo finished seventh in the men's hammer throw on Wednesday with his top throw of 70.75m (232-1). Shigo finished sixth in 2018, also earning first team All-American honors.
Shigo made history during his 2019 season, becoming the first Nittany Lion to ever win the Big Ten Championship in the men's hammer throw. This historic achievement earned Shigo Big Ten Field Athlete of the Championships earlier this spring. Shigo also set the school record in the hammer throw in 2018. Including his indoor career, Shigo finished with three, first team All-American awards to his name.
With his second All-American award in the hammer throw, Shigo becomes just the second Nittany Lion ever to earn multiple All-American distinctions in the hammer throw event. He joins Al Jackson who accomplished the feat in 1973 and again in 1976.
"For me, ending my Penn State career as a first team All-American is so much more than I would've ever expected coming into my freshman year. These past five years as a Nittany Lion have been amazing and I wouldn't have wanted it to end any other way. I could have never imagined the career I was going to have but I am forever grateful for every coach, athletic trainer and everyone who has helped me along this path." Shigo said of his final performance as a Nittany Lion.
Along with Shigo, Mark Porter earned second team All-American honors with his performance in the javelin throw. Porter placed 13th with his best throw of 68.31m (224-1). Porter was the Big Ten silver medalist in the javelin throw earlier this spring.
Freshman Noah Swaby was the Nittany Lions representative in the decathlon event. Unfortunately he had to withdraw from the event due to injury.
Head coach John Gondak said of the first day of competition, "I'm very proud of how our Penn State student-athletes competed today. For Morgan Shigo to earn his third All-American award is a testament to his work ethic over the past five years at Penn State. I was excited to see Mark Porter blossom with his performance this year. He had his best series of throws in his career to finish in 13th place. Unfortunately Noah had to withdraw from the decathlon due to injury. He had a great redshirt freshman season and we look forward to big things moving forward into his sophomore year."
Junior Danae Rivers will compete in the 800m semifinals tomorrow at 9:44 pm eastern time.
For more information on Penn State track & field, visit gopsusports.com.
