This season, the North Dakota State men’s track and field team has produced impressive numbers, none more so than the numbers being put up by the throwers.

The team seems to break some sort of record at every meet. One of those record holders is Alex Renner, whose toss of 62’ 4.5” puts him 15th in the nation.

Renner has been consistent this season, with his numbers steadily rising with each meet. One of the keys to his consistency this season, he says, is the help that he gets from his throwing coach, Justin St. Clair.

Renner said that St. Clair “always has a great plan for what we have to do. I never have to wonder if I am prepared because the coaches have already prepared us.”

Even with record in hand and a high national ranking, Renner still plans on improving, hopefully resetting records while he is at it.

“I know I am capable of it,” Renner said, “and the goal is to make the second round at nationals, and keep on improving.”

Renner said he is excited for the Summit League Championships down at the University of South Dakota taking place on May 12-14. Not only does he want to do well personally, but he wants to help the team bring home another Summit League crown.

“It’s going to be a battle, but it will be a lot of fun,” Renner said. He said he loves the meet for the team aspect, something that is not commonly found during the course of the regular season.

As a team, the shot put guys already are in a good spot. In the Summit League, the Bison have six of the top seven throwers in the event. Those numbers aren’t just great for the conference; they add up to the Herd having the No. 2-ranked shot put team in the nation, a ranking that Renner is proud to be a part of.

“We go to these big meets, these big schools — Texas, UCLA — and we are competing just as good collectively as a group,” Renner said.

This mentality of taking on big schools is something that Renner sees over all sports. Football and basketball are two good examples of this thinking, and so is the women’s track and field team.

Outside of the throwing circle, Renner said that the biggest part of him is his faith. He loves being a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Outside of school, he frequently volunteers at his church, while also finding time to go and relax with his family.

If there is someone on campus who deserves the relaxation, it is Renner. His dedication to his team and his drive to improve shaped who he is. He almost never misses a practice. The hard work paid off, not only in the thrower’s circle, but it was recognized on Monday night at the second annual Green and Gold Gala, where he was named Male Athlete of the Year.

On his award Renner said that “it was defiantly a surprise, NDSU has so many good athletes. Being nominated in itself and then winning it, it was a blessing.”