Grace, Neu Have Strong Showings at Olympic Trials

by YSU

Friday, Jul 8, 2016 8:04 am

Youngstown State throwers Bobby Grace and Conner Neu both had strong showings at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., during the first week of July.

Grace, who competed at Youngstown State from 2009-14, advanced to the finals in the shot put by claiming the final spot in the qualifying round on July 1. He posted the eighth-best mark in the finals at 20.06 meters (65 feet, 9 ¾ inches), which left him just five positions shy of representing the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics in August.

Neu, who finished his Penguins career this past June, posted the top distance in his flight of the hammer with a mark of 68.43m (224-6) on July 6. He finished 11th overall in the qualifying round, which was two spots shy of advancing to the finals. Neu's throw was less than two feet from allowing him to advance.