April 16, 2009
AUBURN, Ala.: April 15, 2009 - Coming off another productive weekend at the Bison Outdoor Classic at Bucknell, the Nittany Lions track and field teams will continue to take on the nation's best, traveling to the War Eagle Invitational at the Auburn University. Along with the No. 7 Nittany Lion women's team, the War Eagle Invitational is scheduled to feature a host of nationally-ranked programs, including the Florida Gators, who are currently rated fourth on the men's side, and 12th in the women's standings.
In the middle distances, the Nittany Lions will be led by sophomore Ryan Foster (Tasmania, Australia), who clocked a blistering 1:48.79 for 800-meters last weekend - the top time in the Big Ten, as well as the second-fastest performance in the NCAA. Also making the trip to Alabama are sophomore Samuel Borchers (Yellow Springs, Ohio) and senior Tim Johnson (New Cumberland, Pa.), who are both on pace for regional-qualifying status in the 1500-meters after near misses during the first two weeks of competition.
The Nittany Lions will also face a stiff field in the sprints against perennial powers Florida and Auburn. Sophomore Shavon GReaves (Lakewood, N.J.), who is already an NCAA qualifier in two events, will lead the Lions, along with 400-meter hurdlers Fawn Dorr (Akron, N.Y.), and Megan Duncan (North Huntingdon, Pa.) and sprints/jumps specialist Gayle Hunter (Riverside, Calif.), who has already hit the automatic qualifier in the heptathlon, and has regional marks in the 200-meters, 100-meter hurdles, and long jump on the boards.
The Nittany Lion throws contingent has also been on fire in recent weeks, including a regional-qualifying effort from Adam Thielemann (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) in the discus last weekend. Thielemann's toss is currently ranked second among conference competition. Also excelling in the circle is senior Emma Schmelzer (Bloomington, Ill.), who is currently ranked second in the Big Ten in the discus and third in the hammer throw. On the runway, javelin throwers Karlee McQuillen (Johnstown, Pa.), Kim Hanslovan (DuBois, Pa.) and Mattie Pancoast (West Chester, Pa.) will be back in action after recording a trio of regional performances at the Arizona Jim Click Shootout two weeks ago. The Nittany Lions hold three of top six, and two of the top three marks among Big Ten competitors.
After taking a weekend off, junior Ryan Fritz (Parkesburg, Pa.) will be back in action in the high jump after gaining regional-qualifying status at Jim Click. Fellow jumper Clarence Smith (Coatesville, Pa.) has found his way to the NCAA standings in the triple jump, while teammate Hanif Johnson (Harrisburg, Pa.) came up just short of the regional mark in a winning effort in the event at Bucknell.
The Nittany Lion pole vaulters have also been hot as of late, as Jocelyn Witmer (Lancaster, Pa.) and Caitlin Fairbairn (Coatesville, Pa.) both notched regional qualifiers at Bucknell last weekend, topping out at 12-7.50 (3.85).
Action at the War Eagle Invitational begins on Friday at 4:30 p.m. CT with the men's hammer throw. Log onto www.gopsusports.com for full recaps and results following both days of competition.