June 8, 2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. --- Nick Owens broke his own school record with a monstrous 233-7 (71.20 meters) toss in the men's hammer throw as he turned in a national runner-up performance in the event Friday at the NCAA Championships Friday at Hornet Stadium on the campus of Sacramento State.

Owens posted his big mark on his third attempt of the competition and briefly led the event with what was at that time the second-best mark in country this year. But Auburn's Jake Dunkleberger answered with a nation-best 235-9 (71.87m) effort on his fifth attempt to claim the win.

With his second place showing, Owens gives the No. 9 UNC men eight points in the team scoring. With just four events scored so far, North Carolina sits in a tie for ninth place. Two more Tar Heels will be in action later tonight as Justin Ryncavage and Adam Montague compete in the javelin finals.