University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Recognition: Athlete

Jill Stenwall was the first woman athlete to win a national championship for the Antelopes when she captured the shot put title in 1980 with a college record throw of 51’5 ¼” she qualified for the nationals in the shot put four years, finishing fourth and sixth in addition to winning a national title. In 1979she also won the National Sports Festival shot put championship. Her top six ranking in the shot put qualified her for the 1980 Olympic Trials. Stenwall was also an outstanding discus thrower who set the UNK record with a throw of 153’ in 1979. All four years she competed, Stenwall was CSIC All-conference in both events.