Black Hills State University's Aubrey Baxter finished in 16th place in the shot put competition at the track and field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.

"I wish I would have thrown a little farther, but I did improve my position because I came in 19th and I finished 16th," Baxter said. "It was just a great atmosphere to be a part of with all those people, and being able to throw in front of all those great athletes was awesome."

Baxter, who was the NAIA outdoor champion in both the hammer throw and shot put, had a best throw of 51 feet, 1 ¾ inches. That throw came on her second attempt while she fouled in her other two attempts.

"My first attempt I stepped out of the ring, I chilled out on my second and I had an intentional step out on my third throw," she said. "I was on the big screen for my final throw because I was the last thrower, and I was on there longer than any other athlete."

Baxter was nervous at the check-in time, but when it came time for her to throw the nerves were gone. She had been to Hayward Field during a recruiting trip to the University of Oregon before she decided to throw closer to home at BHSU.

Michelle Carter won the shot put competition with a throw of 60-1 3/4.

Baxter, just a junior, will be back to defend her throwing titles for the Yellow Jackets next season, and has bigger goals for the future.

"I definitely want to be back in four years and try to make it to London," she said.

"I found out the ring is the same size here as it is at other meets and I know that I can compete in the bigger meets."