June 21, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Freshman Blake Eaton (Allegeny, N.Y.) posted a fourth-place finish in the shot put to earn All-America honors, Saturday at the USATF Junior National Championships at Jesse Owens Stadium. Eaton came within a few inches of a top-two standing, which would have guaranteed him a spot on the US National team at the IAAF World Junior Championships.
In fifth place going into the competition's final three throws, Eaton continued to move through the field, moving up to fourth place with a toss of 61-06.25 (18.75). Eaton proved to be one of the more consistent competitors in the field, posting three marks over 61 feet. Teammate Joe Kovacs (Nazareth, Pa.) also threw for the Lions, finishing 14th overall with a toss of 55-11.75 (17.06).
The US Junior Championships will conclude on Sunday, with freshman Gabriela Baiter (Greenlawn, N.Y.) set to compete in the triple jump.