Gophers Dominate NCAA Hammer Throw Championship

The University of Minnesota's men's hammer throw team showcased their dominance at the NCAA championships last week, achieving an impressive 1-2 finish that solidified their status as the best in the nation.

In a competition that felt like a Gopher showdown, Kostas Zaltos, a fifth-year thrower, expressed his excitement after his winning toss. "I celebrated when I released it," he recalled. "When I saw where it landed, I thought, 'Oh! That's a big one. That's the one!'"

Zaltos concluded his collegiate career with a national championship, marking his throw as the sixth-best in college history. His teammate, sophomore Angelos Mantzouranis, secured second place, making this the first time since 2011 that a school has claimed both top spots in this event.

"We got one and two," Zaltos exclaimed to Mantzouranis immediately after the event. "It's crazy!"

Mantzouranis added, "Sweeping the men's hammer was really nice. We set a good start for the team." Their performance contributed to the Gopher men's track and field team finishing 7th overall at the NCAA Championships, their best result in 77 years.

Reflecting on the competition, Zaltos noted, "From one of the sport magazines back home they said, 'A civil war in the hammer throw.' We knew it was gonna be me and him fighting for first place."

Interestingly, these teammates are also roommates. Zaltos hails from Kilikis while Mantzouranis is from Athens. Their living situation is unique for a college environment.