Badgers’ Swarens wins shot put title at NCAA track and field championships

(UW ATHLETICS) EUGENE, Ore. – Coming into his final attempt in the shot put at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, Wisconsin men’s track and field standout Jason Swarens knew he needed a huge throw. 

The NCAA leader in the event with a PR of 70 feet, 1 ½ inches (21.37m), Swarens had led the competition through the opening round but several clutch marks by other competitors had moved the Badger down to fourth heading into his final toss. 

Swarens delivered on his final attempt at Hayward Field as the senior won the national title in the shot put thanks to a heave of 69-8 (21.23m).

“At our home meet I threw 21.37 meters there and I knew it was going to take 21 to win today,” Swarens said. “I wish I had done that a little earlier but I’ll take it.”

Swarens becomes the first Badger male to win a national title in the shot put and the first male thrower to win a NCAA title since Michael Lihrman won consecutive indoor weight throw titles in 2014 and 2015. 

“​​Jason earned this one,” UW Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Mick Byrne said. “He’s been close a few times and he never quit on himself. To hit that monster throw on his last time in the circle as a Badger with the national title on the line speaks volumes about his character as an athlete. 

“The minute the shot left his hand you just knew it was a huge throw.”

The Terre Haute, Indiana native posted an unforgettable senior season with a sweep of the Big Ten indoor and outdoor shot put titles. He placed third in the shot put at the NCAA Indoor Championships, earning All-America honors and proved himself among the nations best. Swarens cemented his status as a Badger great, setting school records in both the indoor and outdoor shot put, marking the end of a decorated collegiate career. 

“I’ve always wanted to solidify myself as one of the greatest shot putters at Wisconsin,” Swarens said. “Today was the icing on the cake.”

Fellow senior Joseph White wrapped up his time competing for the Cardinal and White, etching his name in the history books and placing ninth in the shot put at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships with a throw of 63-4 (19.30m).