ASHEVILLE, N.C. — CIU opened competition at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships on Wednesday and Thursday with a pair of strong performances from its throws squad, highlighted by a national runner-up finish from Cameron Montgomery in the men's shot put at Karl Straus Stadium on the campus of UNC Asheville.
Montgomery delivered a career-best throw of 17.20 meters to claim second place in the nation, earning NAIA Outdoor Track & Field All-American honors and continuing CIU's recent excellence in the event under throws coach John Sparks.
The national runner-up finish adds to an impressive stretch for the Rams in the shot put, as Deandre Leith finished as the NAIA national runner-up in 2025 after winning the national title in 2024.
On the women's side, Coral Curry represented the Rams in the hammer throw, posting a mark of 48.16 meters against the nation's top competition.
Coral Curry competes in the hammer at the NAIA Outdoor Championships
CIU will close out its season on Friday as Elijah Seawright competes in the men's triple jump, looking to add another top individual finish nationally for the Rams.
