Whitworth’s Fred Shaffer launched his discuss 40 years ago, 185′-3.5″, setting a school and national track and field record. On Saturday, Whitworth’s Carter Comito broke that record at the Spike Arlt Invitational at Central Washington University.

In his last throw of the day, Comito hurled the discus 194′-11″, setting a new personal best and school record. The throw also set a new mark for the Spike Arlt Invitational and is currently the longest throw in the division III level.

In preparation for the Northwest Conference Championships next weekend, Whitworth only sent a handful of runners and throwers to the invitational, placing the men fifth overall and the women 11th.

The Bucs’ Samuel Wright placed first in the men’s shot put with a throw of 50’-7.25”. Wright also took second behind Comito in the discus with a throw of 169 feet.

Three of the top four placers in the men’s discus were owned by Pirates – first place going to Comito, second to Wright, and fourth to Alex Couette who launched his discus a season best 151 feet. John McCormack placed second in the men’s javelin throw with a 204’-11” mark as well.

The Bucs head to McMinnville, Oregon this weekend for the Northwest Conference Championships at Linfield College where the women’s team looks to have a promising finish and men’s team seeks to defend their title.