The ensuing rivalry between him and Torrance was one of the highlights of the American track and field season, together with the duels of milers Glenn Cunningham and Bill Bonthron.

[10] On April 14 he reached 16.30 m (53 ft 6 in) with the standard 16-pound shot, breaking the official world record of František Douda and equaling an unratified mark set by Torrance the previous month.

[13] Only six days later, however, Torrance threw 16.80 m (55 ft 1+1⁄2 in) at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, reclaiming the record.

[5][17] In addition, he placed second in the discus, losing only to Dunn; these doubles accounted for more than half of the 351⁄4.points Stanford scored in regaining the team title.

In the qualification Lyman broke Torrance's meeting record from the previous year, putting 16.35 m (53 ft 7+3⁄4 in) for the overnight lead.