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167 Tausauga continued to perform well aer a flawless transition when Eric Werskey replaced Dubs as throws coach in August 2017. In Tausauga, Werskey saw a physical specimen who was committed to moving forward. "Lagi is very gied and I believe she can contend for a national title," Werskey said. "We have remained very consistent; even on our off days it is still better than a lot of other people in the country. at sets her up for a positive postseason. We just have to get through the rounds. Once we get on the day I trust she will do very well." Heading into the Big Ten Championships on May 11- 13, Tausauga is ranked first in the Big Ten in discus, third in shot put, and 15th in hammer throw. She won the Drake Relays shot put competition April 27 with a personal best 54-11 ¼. "I want to get over 60 meters in the discus; make sure I can contend for the top spot in the country," Tausaga said. "I want to make sure I'm able to make a final at the national meet and see if I can produce the same things I have at outdoor Big Ten — get another title, help get team points." Life as a Hawkeye is going well for Tausaga, aside from the occasional — OK, frequent — mispronunciation of her name. She has been called everything from Lora, Lana, Layna, Liliga, and Luluga. "It's simple. It rhymes, you can't go wrong," Tausaga said. "My mom gave me a nickname, but people couldn't even say Lagi, so it became Lani, which I detest." Phonetically, her Samoan nickname, Lagi, is pronounced Long-ee. "Sounds like there is an N in it, but there isn't," she said. It is easier to refer to her by monikers such as school record-holder, Big Ten champion, or All-American. And she is carrying on more than Iowa's strong tradition in the throwing events. In fact, Tausaga wouldn't let Werskey discontinue rowsgiving last November. "Just because the coach le doesn't mean the legend can't go on," Tausaga said. Did she rely on her go-to dish of musubi as a sophomore? "I made mashed potatoes this time," she said. e seaweed and Spam is being saved for a postseason victory party.