YANKTON, S.D. – Zachary Co took fourth place at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships on Saturday, earning All-American honors in shot put for the second straight season.

The VCSU senior unleashed a career-best throw of 17.13 meters (56 feet, 2.5 inches) in the finals of the men’s shot put in Yankton, S.D. His fourth-place finish is a career-best, topping his sixth place at nationals last season.

Co was consistently good on Saturday, with four of his five recorded throws going more than 54 feet. He qualified fourth in the preliminaries with a top mark of 16.76 meters (55 feet). His second throw of finals was his career best, traveling 17.13 meters to secure his fourth-place finish.

VCSU senior Alex Otto also competed at nationals on Saturday in the men’s high jump. Otto tied for 11th place. He was one of six competitors who were unable to clear the opening height of 1.96 meters (6 feet, 5 inches).

Up next: Valley City State’s track and field team shifts its focus to the 2021 outdoor season.