Hamilton, a thrower on WSU's track and field team (1989-92), was an All-American in both the hammer throw (outdoor, 1991), and the 35-pound weight throw (indoor, 1992). At the time, he was the top thrower in America. The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Hamilton still holds the school records for both events, and his '91 hammer throw of 66 feet, 7 1/4 inches was the nation's best.

In 1991, Hamilton finished ninth in the NCAA's with a hammer throw of 205 feet, 9 inches. A year later, he placed second in the indoor 35-pound weight throw with a throw of 65 feet, 11 inches. In addition, he claimed Missouri Valley Championships in 1991 in the outdoor hammer throw (201 feet, 11 inches), and in 1992 in the indoor 35-pound weight throw (65 feet, 6 inches). Hamilton also qualified for and participated in the 1992 Olympic Trials.