Career best decathlon scores enhanced with big javelin throws

WALNUT, Calif. – Marcus Weaver moved into first place with a 199-8 (60.87) javelin throw and eventually won the college-open division of the decathlon at the Mt. SAC Relays with a career best score of 7,549 points.

In the Elite division, Yariel Soto Torrado improved 30 feet in the javelin and totaled 7911 points to finish sixth. A javelin throw of 189-5 (57.74) enabled Soto Torrado to improve his previous best decathlon score by 234­­ points. His previous best mark in the javelin was 159-5 (48.59).

“The win is great, I’m not super happy with my score, but with these conditions, I’m happy to come out with the win,” said Weaver of the cold and wet conditions at Hilmer Lodge Stadium. “I knew if I finished strong with a decent vault and a good javelin throw, I could move into first. I’m just happy I was able to do that.

“This morning I woke up and it was raining. At first, I was kind of bummed. Then I thought everyone else has to go through the rain, too. I’m used to it, always being in the rain and bad weather being from Minnesota. I can do this since I’m used to this.”

Soto Torrado stated: “I’m really happy with this decathlon. It just goes to show that even with a few events that weren’t close to what I’ve previously done, I stuck it out to the end. I just competed and forgot about the numbers.

“I ended up 89 points away from 8,000 points and it felt great to break the reputation of being a bad javelin thrower. That was huge for me and I’m really happy where we are.”

A total of four Razorbacks competed in two divisions of the decathlon. Daniel Spejcher placed eighth in the Elite division, scoring 7,675 points. Noah Swaby placed ninth in the college-open division, scoring 6,708 points with a no-height in the pole vault.

Weaver, who has a career best of 222-0 (67.68) in the javelin, bettered his previous best of 7,510 in the decathlon. He is currently No. 10 on the UA all-time list.

Soto Torrado is No. 4 on the UA all-time list with his tally. In addition to his improvement in the javelin, he ran a career best 15.15 in the 110m hurdles (789 points), threw the discus 128-11 (39.29) for 650 points, vaulted 16-0.75 (4.90) to add 880 points, and then closed out the day with a 4:33.18 in the 1,500m (724).

“We were supposed to have better weather today, but it turned out to be a windy and rainy day. Last year I had a decathlon in similar weather and then the SEC decathlon finished at 2 a.m. So, at this point, just bring it on.

“I transferred here to be around these guys. They push me every single day. They’re amazing in their respectful events. We push each other, and it’s a brotherhood. To be able to run the 1,500m, tonight, and they all knew what I was going to try for. They were running along the side of the track cheering me on. It’s a lot of respect, and I really appreciate that.”

Weaver clocked 14.88 in the 110m hurdles (864), threw the discus 125-8 (630), and vaulted 15-1 (4.60) for 790 points. Following the javelin, Weaver ran a career best 4:38.77 in the 1,500m (688).

“It’s super cool, and I love my training group so much,” noted Weaver. “Every day at practice is wonderful just because my teammates, one, they push me super hard, but two, we keep it light and have a fun time. I love it.”

Spejcher started the second day with a 14.55 in the 110m hurdles (905 points), then threw the discus 150-4 (45.83) for 784 points and vaulted 15-5 (4.70) to add 819. A toss of 190-0 (57.91) scored 706 in the javelin and he closed with a 4:57.46 in the 1,500m (574).

Swaby started day two with a 15.20 in the 110m hurdles (852) and tossed the discus 140-2 (42.72) for 720 points. After the no height in the vault, where he has a PR of 15-0.25 (4.58), Swaby registered a javelin throw of 183-4 (55.88) for 676 points. He then clocked 4:36.62 in the 1,500m (702), just off his 4:35.47 PR.