TUCSON, Ariz. – High Point University senior thrower Chris Van Niekerk competed in the preliminary round of the discus throw at the 2023 Tucson Elite Classic. Van Niekerk finished the day with his best mark in over one month of competitions, projecting well for the upcoming NCAA First Round Championships.
 
Competing with some of the top athletes across all levels, Van Niekerk ended up 13^th in the field with a mark of 57.14m, his first mark of 57 meters since he threw a season-best 58.08m at HPU's Meet of Champions on April 15^th. He was the only athlete representing an NCAA institution to qualify and compete in the event.
 
Up Next: Van Niekerk and eight other Panthers will travel to Jacksonville, Florida, for the 2023 NCAA First Round Championships. The East regional will begin Wednesday, May 24^th, while finals will wrap up Saturday, May 27^th.