Davis becomes ninth collegiate athlete to surpass 78 feet, improves to No. 2 in the world

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

North Carolina State senior Josh Davis made his final Atlantic Coast Conference Indoor Championships a memorable one, with his fifth-round weight throw Friday one of the most impressive in NCAA Division 1 history.

Davis took over the collegiate lead and improved to No. 2 in the world with an effort of 78 feet, 2.25 inches (23.83m) at Clemson. Only the winning mark Feb. 17 of 78-2.50 (23.84m) by Conor McCullough at the USATF Indoor Championships in New Mexico is better than Davis' performance, which made him the ninth collegiate performer to surpass 78 feet.

Davis was 16th at the Division 1 indoor final as a sophomore and fifth last year, but after setting the ACC and facility records, he has established himself as a leading contender for the title, along with fellow 23-foot throwers Denzel Comenentia of Georgia, Joseph Ellis of Michigan and David Lucas of Penn State.

Florida State freshman Ka'Tia Seymour won the women's 200 in 22.85, improving to No. 2 in the world this year. Seymour was also part of a Seminoles sweep in the 60 with fellow freshman Jayla Kirkland, who prevailed by a 7.234 to 7.240 margin.

Syracuse junior Justyn Knight swept the 3,000 and 5,000 titles in 8:02.57 and 13:50.79

Florida State swept the team titles, with Virginia Tech taking second in both genders.