Jonathan Buchanan threw a record-setting 21.03 meters at URI Invitational
Buchanan sets new Mackal Field House weight throw record PHOTO CREDIT: gorhody.com
After receiving his degree from the University of Rhode Island in 2022, Jonathan Buchanan wasn’t sure if he would be returning to the Men’s Track & Field team for another year. He now holds the record for longest weight throw in Mackal Field house history.
Buchanan set the Mackal Field House record for weight throw at the URI Invitational on Jan. 21, 2023, with a throw of 21.03 meters.
His throw shattered the previous record set by Brown’s Owen Russell on Jan. 19, 2019 (20.67 meters) and earned him Atlantic-10 field performer of the week.
“It was a long time coming,” said URI Men’s Track and Field Head Coach Trent Baltzell. “This record was always going to be his, I’m just glad to see it finally happen for him”.
Buchanan came close to setting the record last year with a throw of 20.28 meters at the Coaches Tribute meet on Jan. 22, 2022. With his relentless work ethic he was able to beat his last throw by almost a full meter.
“At first it was surreal,” said Buchanan. “When it all settled in, I was just proud. Obviously of all the hard work I put in, but it was more so ‘Wow, this is crazy. I’m really a part of history.’”
Buchanan’s throw was only 0.26 meters off from tying the school record, which was set by Patrick Egan in 1985.
Buchanan, a Graduate Student from Cranston, Rhode Island, has consistently been amongst the top performers for Rhody. This year has been no different, as he has placed inside the top 3 of every meet so far , according to gorhody.com)
“When it comes to the events of weight throw, he just gets it,”URI Men’s Track and Field coach Ben Carroll said, “he has a want, he wants to be the best at it.”
Coming into his 6th year with the team, Buchanan had figured out what training effectively works for him not only physically, but mentally too.
“I always make sure I go into a meet with some positive momentum,” Buchanan said, “but I think what changed [over the last few years] is how I handle myself in the middle of a meet. If my first throw was bad, I used to overthink a lot and get into a deep place, but I’ve been able to tone that back and know that the next throw is always there and I’ll have more opportunities”.
Buchanan also sets the bar high for his teammates, with his consistency and work ethic, he is the definition of leading by example.
“John is super consistent, an example to the young guys and a testament to the culture we’ve created” Coach Carroll said. “Every accolade and every bit of recognition he’s got he’s really earned, it really sets a good tone for our group”.
While Buchanan and the coaching staff are certainly happy with this performance, none of them are complacent. Buchanan has his goals set on something larger.
“I know my goal is to win the A10 championship, and I don’t think I’ll be truly satisfied until I can say that I’ve taken a gold medal at A10’s,” he said. “That’s my biggest goal, I’m locked in on that.”