Sophomore Micah Hegerle set a new school record in the weight throw competing is Friday’s Snowshoe Open. Hegerle landed a toss of 71 feet, 3 1/2 inches, which netted him first place in the event.

The atmosphere in the surrounding area at the time of the throw was electric, with even Hegerle’s opponents cheering wildly for the throw as it sailed past  all other chalk marks. The distance is the best mark in the Big Ten this year and the second best nationwide.

One of Minnesota’s coaches predicted it would likely earn Hegerle Big Ten Field Athlete of the Week, but that announcement won’t be made until later in the week.

Other Gophers taking home titles at the Snowshoe were Ben Peterson (pole vault), Ryan Todhunter (60-meter high hurdles), John Holton (400 meters), Trey Davis (shot put), Sean King (60-meter dash), Matt Clauer (high jump), Oladipo Fagbemi (triple jump) and the 4-by-400 meter relay team which competed without Kevin Bradley, who is nursing an injury.