MARION, Ind. - Indiana University Kokomo junior student-athlete Gabe Wedmore kicked off the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships with a bang for IU Kokomo, finishing seven spots better than his seeding in his lone throwing event.

A Madison-Grant High School product Wedmore returned to Grant County Wednesday morning to compete in Hammer Throw at the Outdoor National Championships, held at Indiana Wesleyan.

After a throw of 56.07 meters in his first of three attempts, Wedmore turned in his best mark of the season in his third and final throw of flight one action. Gabe launched his final throw 56.40 meters, setting a new PR and school record. With the top nine after three throws advancing to Finals, Gabe narrowly missed a chance at competing for All-American honors (Top-8) and a National Championship with an 11th-place finish.

Head Coach Josh Colvin had this to say when asked about Wedmore's gritty performance this spring: "Gabe dealt with a fractured wrist coming off of Indoor Nationals so Shot Put was out of the question for outdoor season. Hammer Throw was possible so he honed in on that as his only throwing event. To go in ranked 18th and finish 11th just shows the tenacity of this young man."

In order to view full results from Wednesday's Men's Hammer Throw, click HERE.

IU Kokomo student-athletes Sydney Duncan and Maddie Dotlich are still in action at the Outdoor National Championships Thursday and Friday. Check out their event schedule below.

• Thursday @ 1:00 PM - Sydney/Shot Put
• Thursday @ 4:30 PM - Maddie/5,000 Meter Racewalk 
• Friday @ 3:00 PM - Sydney/Discus

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.