Junior Ben Haas already holds the school record for weight throw, and he added a second Hillsdale record with his indoor shot put mark at the Akron invitational on Jan. 31.
“Ben has been a top competitor in the weight throw since his freshman season,” Jessica Bridenthal, associate head men and women’s track and field coach said. “The biggest change this year is the impact he is having in shot put; number one in the country in weight and number two in the country in shot put is very impressive. There are very few throwers who can compete in both events at that level.”
Haas said the original indoor shot put record, 17.83 meters, was thrown in 2012 by Nate English ‘12. Haas marked the new record with a 18.67 meter throw.
In NCAA Division II, Haas now ranks number one in weight throw, and number two in shot put.
According to Haas, his marks in both weight throw and shot put have been exciting to see after the years of work he has put in.
“I’m really happy that my shot put is going well. I’ve been at it for four years, and it is finally paying off, so it’s exciting to be able to do that,” Haas said.
Bridenthal said Haas is both an exceptional athlete and a leader for the whole team.
“He does a great job as a mentor to our younger throwers and is always quick to take them under his wing,” Bridenthal said.
Senior and teammate Cass Dobrowolski and teammate said Haas has set an example for the work it takes to succeed as a collegiate athlete.
“Ben is the type of person that you see at practice every day, and he’s always giving it his all and he’s always trying to help the people around him,” Dobrowolski said. “There’s absolutely no one more deserving to be breaking as many records and doing so well.”
Bridenthal said from the first time she met Haas at training camp, she knew he would have a fruitful college career.
“From the first throw I saw Ben take I knew he was special,” Bridenthal said. “In 2020, I pulled him aside at the end of the camp and told him that he could be an All-American thrower and do some pretty special things if he decided that was what he wanted. I knew he could do incredible things if he was given the right opportunity.”
As the G-MAC Championships for indoor season approach at the end of February, Haas said he is looking forward to competing with other top athletes in the event and continuing to train for nationals.
“The person who is number one in shot put is from Grand Valley University, so I’m going to see him for the next two weeks,” Haas said. “I am just focusing on training and looking forward to nationals.”
Brithendal said she expects to see Haas break more records.
“I think a national title is only a few weeks away. He has been putting in the work and I feel very confident in his ability to compete,” Brithendal said. “There are very few young men who are more dedicated, more talented, or even close to as great of an athlete and person as Ben. I am nothing but grateful to be a part of his journey.”
