Hoffa, Cantwell and Richards Lead the Way

By Scott Bush

The Kansas Relays take place this week and as always one of the marquee events of the weekend is the men's shot put event, which takes place in downtown Lawrence. Surrounded by bars and restaurants, with music playing and an engaged crowd, the event is quite the sight to jump start the action in Kansas.

This year's field expands from eight contestants to ten and hosts some of the world's best putters, including World Championship bronze medalist O'Dayne Richards of Jamaica and Olympic medalists Reese Hoffa and Christian Cantwell of the United States.

The Contenders

O'Dayne Richards (JAM)
Reese Hoffa (USA)
Christian Cantwell (USA)
Jordan Clarke (USA)
Kurt Roberts (USA)
Ryan Whiting (USA)
Tim Nedow (CAN)
Jonathan Jones (USA)
Cory Martin (USA)
Darrell Hill (USA)

For Hoffa and Cantwell, Friday's competition could mark the last time fans see the two compete at the event. Both have indicated 2016 may be their final year of competing. Each has earned numerous U.S. titles, along with Olympic and World Championship medals, but Hoffa is 38 years old and Cantwell is 35, meaning their window is small to continue to push for international acclaim. 

Richards is one to watch, as the 27 years old is coming off a big year where he clearly proved he was the third best thrower in the world behind American Joe Kovacs and German David Storl. This will be Richards first time competing at the Kansas Relays and is a great addition to the field. 

Rounding out the top contenders, 2013 World Championship silver medalist Ryan Whiting is entered and ready to get his 2016 season off to a good start, as are recent Team USA members Jordan Clarke and Kurt Roberts, Canadian Tim Nedow and Jonathan Jones. Jones is coming off a fifth place finish at the IAAF World Indoor Championships and hopes to celebrate his 25th birthday this coming weekend in victorious fashion. 

Both Hoffa and Cantwell are past champions. Hoffa won the event in 2012, while Cantwell won in 2014 and again last year. Add in Whiting, who won in 2013, and the past three champions will each vie for the crown.