Jordan Geist

In Seattle, 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.”

To read more about Jordan Geist, read Monday's Butler Eagle.