Smatlak Bests Her Javelin School Record in Pacesetter Sports Invitational

Anderson University women's track and field senior Emily Smatlak (Lynnwood, Wash,/Lynnwood) bested her school record by firing the javelin 42.10 meters (138 feet, 1.5 inches) during Friday's Pacesetter Sports Invitational in Terre Haute.

In a field consisting of primarily NCAA Division I competition, Smatlak captured second place. The Lynnwood, Wash. native currently ranks 10th on the NCAA Division III leaderboard.

"I was really happy about my one throw," Smatlak said. "The other throws I didn't put the pieces together like I did with my one throw, but it was really rewarding to get the pieces together for my one throw. I'm very grateful for my coaches who dedicated their whole day to come out [to the meet] and do that for me."

"Isn't track and field amazing?" Coach Sol Stephens commented. "If you were to tell me that we would be here at Indiana State after a flawless second throw, breaking the school record and moving up in the NCAA order, after last week's disappointing conference meet, I wouldn't have believed you. I knew as soon as it came off her hand that this was the one. The patience to the placement to the violence at the release is what we've worked hard on the past three weeks and it finally clicked. We're going to enjoy graduation weekend and get back to work on Monday while focusing on day by day until we accomplish the next goal."

Smatlak is battling for a chance to compete in the three-day NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships, beginning on May 27 in Greensboro, N.C.

"I'm really glad that my journey didn't end with conference," Smatlak said. "I still have another one or two opportunities to put the pieces together. It's very exciting."