Tiffin University athletes competing in U.S. Olympic trials

Tiffin, Ohio — The Tiffin University Men’s Track and Field team has three athletes competing in the United States Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

Juniors Nik Curtiss, Ralph Casper and alumni Coy Blair are all set to compete in the shot put at the Olympic Trials on Friday, June 18 at 3 p.m. The trio makes up one-eighth of the total U.S. team at the trials. The top 24 throwers in the nation will compete, with the top three landing spots on the U.S. Olympic team.

Coy Blair attended Tiffin University from 2015 to 2017. In that time, he was a three-time NCAA Champion (indoor and outdoor shot put, once in indoor weight throw). His qualifying mark for this Olympic Trial is 19.94 meters. Blair previously was the only TU track athlete to ever compete at the Olympic Trials, making the cut in 2016. He landed five First Team All-American honors while with TU, making six national appearances.

Nik Curtiss was a top performer for Tiffin this season with a second-place finish at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Nationals in the shot put. He qualified with a mark of 19.78 meters. Curtiss has seven All-American honors in his career. He also finished as national runner-up in shot put at the NCAA Indoor Championships in March.

Ralph Casper was another outstanding athlete for Tiffin University this season, qualifying for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Nationals. His qualifying mark for the Olympic Trials is 19.30 meters. He was the NCAA National Champion in indoor shot put in March.

“To qualify someone to the Olympic Trials is a tremendous feat,” said Head Coach Jeremy Croy. “Qualifying someone in the most competitive event in the United States is even more amazing. To qualify three Dragon shot putters to the Olympic Trials is unbelievable! I’m so proud of Coach Robinson, Nik, Coy and Ralph for their relentless work day in and day out. We will be watching these folks represent the rest of the team, coaches and University at a world-class level.”

“When I first joined the track program, reaching the U.S. Olympic Trials seemed like a pipe dream,” said Throws Coach Ray Robinson. “Then, when Coy made it in 2016, I thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For Tiffin to have three qualifiers in this event is unheard of. These three athletes represent Tiffin very well at every level. I am immensely proud of these guys, and appreciative of the direction and support from Coach Jeremy Croy and Vice President of Athletics Lonny Allen in getting the track program to where it is right now.”

“I think it is amazing that we have three of our athletes that have qualified for this prestigious event,” said Vice President of Athletics Lonny Allen. “It is a testament to the performance history of our track program. I want to thank Coach Croy and Coach Robinson for their leadership with these outstanding young men. I wish them all the luck in the world.”

For more information or follow along with the trials, click here.