Smatlak Named HCAC Field Athlete of the Week

Anderson University women's track and field standout Emily Smatlak (Lynnwood, Wash,/Lynnwood) was named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Field Athlete of the Week, which was announced by the conference on Monday.

Smatlak earned the HCAC Field Athlete of the Week for the second time this season. The senior from Lynnwood, Wash. improved her school record in the javelin with a throw of 42.10 meters (138 feet, 1.5 inches). In a field consisting of primarily NCAA Division I competition, Smatlak secured second place in the javelin during Friday's Pacesetter Sports Invitational in Terre Haute. Smatlak currently ranks 11th on the NCAA Division III leaderboard in the javelin.

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