July 28, 2007

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Texas State alum Mike Hazle notched the first Pan American Games medal of his career with a silver medal performance at the XV Games on Saturday.

Hazle registered just three marks on his six throws in the event but his third mark proved good enough for a medal. His throw of 75.33 meters (247.15 feet) on his fifth attempt moved him into second place. Cuba's Guillermo Martinez had a throw of 77.66 meters (254.79 feet) on his fifth attempt and won the gold medal. Rounding out the top three was Brazil's Alexon Maximiano with a throw of 75.04 meters.

Hazle, a 1997 graduate of Temple High School and 2002 graduate of Texas State, earned his trip to the Pan American Games after placing second at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in June.

Hazle currently lives and trains at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., where he is a full-time Resident Athlete.