Academy cadet captures shot put title Published June 22, 2007 INDIANAPOLIS (AFPN) -- Freshman Sara Neubauer of Bottineau, N.D., became the Air Force Academy's first USA Track and Field champion, as she won the shot put title June 21 at the 2007 Finish Line USA Junior Track and Field Championships in Indianapolis. Neubauer recorded a distance of 48'10¼" to win the event and top the 29-competitor field by over two inches. Nneka Ugochukw of Colorado State University finished second at 48'8", giving the Mountain West Conference the top two throwers in the junior national meet. Having spent three weeks at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., as a part of the Academy's summer ops program, Neubauer only recently returned to the throwing circle. After fouling her first throw, Neubauer steadily improved, before making the winning toss on her fifth attempt. "It felt good," Neubauer said following her performance. "I haven't had a chance to work with Coach (Scott) Irving since May, so it was good to get out there. Having (Ugochukw) there made it a fun competition." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) Click here to view the comments/letters page