(Posted May 26, 2004)


Huntingdon, Pa. - Juniata College sophomore track and field athlete Kira Troutman (Line Mountain/Valley View) will be competing this weekend at the NCAA Division III National Championships at Millikin University in Decatur, Il. Troutman is making her third appearance at the NCAA Championships.
Troutman will be competing in the javelin competition which will be held Saturday morning. She enters the competition as the number seven seed. Her best throw of 141' 6" came at the Susquehanna Invitational in late March. Troutman established new personal bests in several of Juniata's first outdoor meets, capped by the performance at Susquehanna.

"I think we've done the right things in getting Kira ready for this Championship," head track and field coach Jon Cutright stated. "She's very healthy going into the meet, and hopefully has some good throws ready to go. She's got a real good chance to do very well."

Troutman reached the NCAA Championships as a freshman, and became the fifth Eagle woman to earn All-America honors in track as she placed fifth in the javelin that season when she posted a throw of 132' 2". As a sophomore Troutman finished in a tie for 11th with a throw of 126' 5". Along with attempting to earn a top finish, Troutman is also within reach of the Juniata school record in the javelin. The existing record of 142' 3" was established in 1997.

"The key to success at the Championships is to do the same things you did to get your there," Cutright explained. "If Kira is able to do that, she'll be just fine."

An eighth-place finish or better at the NCAA Championship meet is good for All-America recognition. Earning All-America status this season would put Troutman in select company as only two Eagle track athletes have earned All-America recognition twice in their careers.

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.