Aurora University Athletics

This week's Aurora University Spartan of the Week is junior track and field standout Ryan Njegovan. He earned the honor following his tremendous performance at the 2017 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships.

On the second and final day of the 2017 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, Aurora University junior shot put thrower Ryan Njegovan set AU history when he became the first individual or team to win a NCAA Division III National Championship.

Njegovan entered the shot put with the top throw among Division III throwers and did not disappoint as he tossed what would be the winning distance in his second attempt, 17.83 meters / 58' 6". He then held on over the next four rounds of throws and as he walked up for the sixth and final attempt, he had clinched the NCAA Championship in the shot put. He earned All-American honors as well with his finish.

The NCAA title for Njegovan becomes the first for an AU team or individual with previous runner-up finishes coming from his teammates Brandon Pichen (weight throw yesterday) and Bobby Cooks (2015 indoor 60 meter hurdles) and the 1990 Spartan baseball team.