Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Shot Putters Joe Kovacs, Darrell Hill Qualify for Olympics

Two Pennsylvania natives and Penn State alums are heading to the Olympics.

Joe Kovacs, 27, and Darrell Hill, 22, finished second and third respectively in the shot put finals of the U.S. Track and Field trials Friday night.

Kovacs had a best throw of 72 feet 1/4 inches while Hill had a best throw of 70 feet and 11 3/4 inches.

Kovacs was born in Nazareth, Pennsylvania and raised in Bethlehem Pennsylvania where he attended Bethlehem Catholic High School. As a student at Bethlehem Catholic, he won state titles in both the shot put and discus. He was also a two-time Big Ten Outdoor champion while attending Penn State University.

Kovacs most recently won the USATF Outdoor, World Outdoor and Diamond League championships in 2015, finishing the outdoor season with the number one ranking in the world.

Hill was born in Darby, Pennsylvania and finished in second place in the shot put in the 2011 PIAA Championships while attending Penn Wood High School in Yeadon. He attended the University of Houston before transferring to Penn State University after his freshman year. While at Penn State he finished second at the 2015 NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Hill hugged Kovacs after his throw. He also had a bit of fun on social media where he posted his celebration dance.

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