University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships
Hicks Takes Sixth At NCAA Championships
March 12, 2016 | Track & Field
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – AJ Hicks took sixth place in the men's weight throw at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships on Friday. Hicks' performance earned him First Team All-America honors.
“I could not be prouder of AJ,” head coach Harlis Meaders said. “He did a wonderful job of keeping his composure in a very difficult situation after fouling his first two throws. On the biggest stage he was able to answer the challenge and earn his position as a first team All American. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to share this journey with him. He is an outstanding student, a wonderful young man, and a Tar Heel.”
Hicks, a redshirt senior, fouled his first two attempts and was sitting in last place before firing a throw that covered 70-7 ¾ (21.53 meters). That moved him into fifth place heading into the final three throws of the competition. Hicks didn't improve in the final three throws, but he still claimed First Team All-America honors for finishing sixth overall.
“I hate putting myself in that situation but with two fouls I had to put one out there and I did,” Hicks said. “It's been a long journey, I finally got First Team (All-America) and it feels amazing.”
Hicks became the fourth Tar Heel to earn First Team All-America honors in the 35 lb. Weight Throw, joining Sal Gigante, Nick Owens and Walter Henning. Hicks will end his indoor career behind those three Tar Heels in the all-time records at 71-3 ¼ (21.72 meters).
The NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships will conclude tomorrow with Nicole Greene competing in the high jump for Carolina.
Players Mentioned
