GULF SHORES, Ala. - Zeb Hoffman is ready for a big throw tomorrow, and that big throw just might earn him a second consecutive NAIA Outdoor Track & Field national championship in the hammer throw.

Last year, Hoffman brought home The Evergreen State College's first-ever national championship in any sport when he won the NAIA men's hammer throw title with a mark of 60.28 meters (197-9 1/2) on his first throw of the competition at Gulf Shore's Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium. The senior from Olympia makes a return to the site of last year's triumph as the No. 5-ranked thrower in the event that starts at 1 p.m. (ET), or 10 a.m. Pacific time.

Hoffman limited the number of his competitions this spring, and in recent weeks has fought through a shoulder injury to round into form for the national meet. In a recent practice he was throwing the hammer beyond the 60-meter mark, which is a good indication that he is ready to put up a strong defense of his title.

The primary challenge comes from Concordia (Neb.) senior Cody Boellstorff, who leads the NAIA with an outstanding throw of 65.98 meters (216-6), followed by Midland sophomore Nathan Houser with the second best mark at 63.05 (206-10).

Hoffman's best throw in competition this season, fifth on the NAIA list, came on April 8 with a mark of 59.25 meters (194-5). His career best in NAIA competition was 64.84 meters (212-9) set at the 2016 Cascade Collegiate Conference meet.

Hoffman is the only Evergreen athlete competing at the 2017 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.