Knoch graduate, Slippery Rock coach Jordan Geist wins US shot put championship in New York
Knoch graduate and Slippery Rock University assistant track and field coach Jordan Geist now has one more accomplishment to precede his name: 2026 United States Track & Field shot put champion.
Geist’s throw of 22.32 meters won the competition, held Sunday at Icahn Stadium in New York City. He had four other throws eclipse 22 meters, a distance no other competitor reached.
Geist began serving as The Rock’s throws coach last season, helping his student-athletes set three school records and win three PSAC crowns.
Geist is next scheduled to compete Aug. 27 at the Diamond League meet in Zurich, Switzerland. He’s the current leader in the Diamond League’s men’s shot put standings, with his 22 points having already booked him an appearance at the league final, which will be held Sept. 5 in Brussels, Belgium.
Geist was also named the Butler Eagle’s top male athlete since 2000 last summer after a notable career at Knoch, the University of Arizona and now as an international competitor. He brought home six PIAA and six WPIAL titles in the shot put and discus on the prep stage.
