The University of Louisville track and field throwing program finished the 2009 season as the no. 1 ranked group in the nation, according to The Thrower’s Page. “This is an amazing accomplishment for Coach Cowper and the entire throws group,” said UofL head coach Ron Mann. “He is one of the finest throws coach’s in the country and I could not be any prouder.”
Assistant coach Dale Cowper led the group to the unprecedented feat as he had nine athletes for a total of 16 bids compete at the 2009 NCAA Mideast Regional Championships. Six athletes, including three men and women, advanced from that group to the national championships to represent half of the Cardinal qualifiers and bids.
Jere’ Summers was named the 2009 BIG EAST Women’s Most Outstanding Field Performer after winning the shot put and hammer throw competitions. The Cardinal women went on to win their second consecutive conference title behind the strength of the throws group who accounted for 69 out of the 138 points scored. The throws group would then account for 22 of 29 points earned at the Mideast Regionals where the women tied a school-record with an eighth place finish. Summers would win the discus at the Mideast Regional, while Andrew Hackney finished 12th in the discus at the NCAA Outdoor Championships to earn All-American honors.
