GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Competing on the national stage for the first time in her career, John Brown University senior Evie Scoles wrapped up her indoor season with a 19th-place finish in the women's shot put at the 45th annual NAIA Women's Indoor Track and Field National Championships on Saturday morning (March 1) at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center.
Scoles, who entered the competition as the No. 20 seed, recorded a best throw of 11.90 meters (39 feet, 0.5 inches) in the preliminary rounds. While the mark fell short of her season-best 13.28-meter throw that secured her nationals berth, the event capped an impressive journey for Scoles, who became JBU's first-ever shot put national qualifier, indoor or outdoor.
Her appearance in Gainesville marked the culmination of years of dedication, as she transferred to John Brown as a sophomore and steadily improved under head coach Peter Cunningham.
"From being the team's only shot putter to competing at nationals, Evie's journey has been incredible," Cunningham said. "She put in the work to get here, and while today wasn't her best mark, qualifying for this stage is a fantastic achievement in itself. We're proud of her and grateful for the opportunity to compete."
With the indoor season complete, the Golden Eagle track and field program returns for the outdoor season, set to begin on March 21 at the St. Mary (Kan.) Spire Distance Carnival in Leavenworth, Kan.
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