May 13, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Senior John Vellenoweth (Wheeling, W.Va.) and sophomore Kim Hanslovan (DuBois, Pa.) have been named Big Ten Athletes of the Week, thanks to school record performances at the Penn State Open last weekend.
Vellenoweth claimed a spot in the record book, clearing 17-05.50 (5.32) in the pole vault - the 13th highest jump in the NCAA this season, and second best in the Big Ten. Vellenoweth now owns both the indoor and outdoor Penn State records in the event, after setting the indoor record this past winter. The honor marks the first Big Ten Athlete of the Week certificate for the senior.
Hanslovan launched a career-long and school-record 178-04 (54.35) to win the javelin. The mark is the fifth-best throw in the country this season and tops in the East Region. Hanslovan also enters the weekend with the second-best throw in the conference. The award is the first of the sophomore's careeer.
Vellenoweth and Hanslovan, along with the rest of the Nittany Lions are off to the Big Ten Championships at Ohio State this weekend. Action is scheduled for May 15-17, at Jesse Owens Memorial Track Stadium.