Umpqua Community College Thrower Inches Closer To Dream Of Reaching World Standard

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Zach Holland cracked the 80-meter barrier for the first time Tuesday and broke the American Junior College record at the Northwest Athletic Conference Championships at Mt. Hood Community College. 

Holland, a sophomore at Umpqua Community College, threw 264-5 (80.61m) for a two-foot personal best that moves him to No. 4 in the U.S. this year. 

Holland lives about an hour south of Eugene and is in search of a World Athletics standard that would possibly allow him to compete close to home at the World Championships. 

The world standard is 85 meters (278-10) and so far no American thrower has obtained it. 

VIDEO OF THROW

Holland's best prior throw came May 19 when he threw 262-5 (79.98m) competing unattached at the Tucson Elite Classic.