Albuquerque, NM -- Making his second straight appearance at the U.S. Indoor championships, Monmouth University senior Vincent Elardo (Forked River, N.J./Lacey) finished 14th in the shot put, Sunday afternoon at the Albuquerque Convention Center. This year's field consisted of competitors that have won Olympic medals, World Championship medals and former NCAA Champions.
Elardo landed a throw 17.33m (56' 10") in his first attempt in the circle making his mark the second-best collegiate result in the competition. Reese Hoffa of the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) took first registering a throw of 21.75m (71' 4.25).
"Vinny is having a tremendous season again this year and is ahead of where he was last year," said head coach Joe Compagni. "Coach [Abe] Flores has done an excellent job getting him ready to compete on such a high level. To step in the circle along with the best in the world again this winter is a huge accomplishment for Vinny and our program."
Elardo, who finished eighth at the event last season, is one of just three collegiate athletes to throw over 60' in both the shot put and weight throw this season. The local product is ranked 30th in the U.S. and 22nd among Division I shot putters. A team captain and the 2011 IC4A Champion won both throwing events at the 2012 NEC Indoor Championships to lead the Hawks to their fourth NEC Indoor team title this winter. Elardo has captured nine individual NEC Indoor and Outdoor titles in the throwing events during his tenure in West Long Branch.
Highlights of the event will be aired on ESPN tonight between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Elardo and the Hawks will travel to Boston, Massachusetts next weekend for the ECAC/IC4A Championships.