Idaho hammer thrower James Rogan aims for finals

Eagle High graduate and Idaho junior James Rogan hopes to become a lawyer.

But first he'd like to make his case at the NCAA Track and Field Championships on Wednesday in Fayetteville, Ark., where he will compete in the hammer throw.

It's the first national championship competition for Rogan, who placed third in the West Regional with a personal-best throw of 212 feet, 10 inches to qualify.

"Going into regionals, I knew I had a chance at going," Rogan said. "It's awesome and really exciting to be competing against those guys. A few years ago, I never thought I would be competing at that level."

Idaho throwing coach Julie Taylor said Rogan came to her program lacking experience in the hammer but worked relentlessly to master what is considered one of the sport's most technical events.

"His ability to understand the event is big," Taylor said. "He's a really smart kid and he can really take a lot in. He had to understand it mentally before he could do it physically.

"I have to tell him at the end of the practice that it's time to go home. He's just really dedicated to becoming the best thrower he can be."

Rogan's breakout moment came last year in the WAC outdoor championships when he placed third. He won the WAC indoors in the shot put.

"Once my technique started coming along and I started having some big throws in practice, I knew I had the ability," Rogan said. "It's kind of been a steady progression, but once you see yourself doing those things, it's kind of easier to do it."

He would like nothing better than to finish in the top 12 Wednesday and advance to Friday's finals. The top eight earn All-America status.

"Realistically I'm hoping to get past the prelims and I'd really like to be an All-American," he said.

Taylor thinks it can happen. Rogan has the 16th best mark in the event. He's also near the school record of 217-2.

"The best approach for him is to do just what he's been doing," Taylor said. "If he throws what he's been throwing lately, I think he'll make the finals. If he makes the finals his first year, that will be incredible. I think that should be his No. 1 goal."