Complete Results

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – After back-to-back runner-up finishes in the indoor weight throw and the outdoor hammer throw last season, Northern State University senior Amanda Madden broke through in spectacular fashion on Friday at the 2010 NCAA National Indoor Championships, winning the weight throw with a lifetime best and NSU school record throw of 19.81 meters (65-00 feet).

The individual title is a first for Madden, who became NSU's first track and field national champion since 1990 when Henry Schneider won the 1,000 yard race at the NAIA Indoor Championships.

Madden, who broke her own school record and previous personal best mark of 18.20 meters four times during the course of Friday's action, would have won the event with any of her top three throws of the day.  She also bested 2-time defending weight throw champion Tara Cooper of Ashland University in the process.

The NCAA has contested the women's weight throw every year since 1996.  Madden's 2010 toss goes down as the third best winning throw in that 15-year span.

 “I don't think it's hit me yet,” said Madden of the experience.  “I'm sure when it does hit me, I'll be even more excited.”

The Herreid, S.D. native qualified for the national meet at NSU's first meet of the season back in January.  Since that qualifying effort, Madden has worked with throwing coaches Brenda Fuller and Mariah Mougey on improving both her footwork and delivery technique in the ring.

That extra work paid its dividends on the podium on Friday.

“I've been working on three turns all week to get ready for this day, but I started out with a 2-turn throw in prelims and it felt so good, I just decided to stay with it and it worked out great,” said Madden.  “It's definitely a great feeling.  It's fun to throw against the same girls every year, and when you come out on top, it's just that much better.”