Jordan Geist

SEATTLE – Here, they don't know Jordan Geist as the “Knochness Monster” or by the equally colorful nickname “Kong of Knoch Island.”

He's just another Division I thrower at the University of Arizona. A freshman without the collegiate pedigree for such monikers.

That may have changed Saturday at the University of Washington Invitational.

Geist put his name on the national map again.

At just 19 years old, the Knoch graduate became the youngest thrower to top 70 feet in the shot put, uncorking a toss of 70 feet, 4 inches (21.45 meters) in the 16-pound shot to win the indoor event by more than five feet.

The throw is the best in the country this indoor season and the second-best in the world. It was also a school, venue and NCAA freshmen record.

“It was definitely surprising, shocking and exciting all rolled into one,” Geist said. “I'm definitely still on cloud nine.”

So was his throwing coach at Arizona, TJ Carter, who released a gushing statement following Geist's record-setting toss.

“Jordan has been on a mission for the past few weeks, and he accomplished his goal,” Carter wrote. “He executed his throw very well, and brought the right level of emotion to the meet. I could not be prouder of him. Now, we go back to refocus on the big meets ahead.”

The outpouring of congratulations for Geist didn't stop there. Former world and national champions as wells as former Olympians took to social media to give props to the young throwing star.

“It's definitely cool,” Geist said. “To have those guys reach out and congratulate me, it's a really accepting feeling. The throwing community is very close.”

Geist said he had a good feeling leading up to the meet because of a solid string of strong practices.

He's already put on 10 pounds of muscle since he's been at Arizona, through a combination of weight training and diet.

“I'm finally getting to sit down and talk to a nutritionist and having a constant supply of good food,” Geist said. “It's helped me put on muscle.”

And make him readjust his goals.

Geist came into the indoor season shooting for a throw of 68 feet. He's obliterated that already.

A national championship has always been on his mind, even though he'll be an underdog in most of the meets he enters.

“In most cases, I wouldn't be expected to win,” Geist said. “That puts a little chip on your shoulder.”

As far as a distance goal, Geist just wants his next throw to be his best throw.

“I threw 21.45 at that meet,” Geist said. “I want to throw 21.46 at the next one. That's all I'm trying to do. Any improvement I can make is welcome.”