Bucknell University Athletics
Heitzman, Casalnova Strong at USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships
6/27/2011 8:00:00 AM | Women's Track and Field
June 27, 2011
EUGENE, Ore. – Bucknell's Ted Heitzman (Elysburg, Pa./Southern Columbia) completed his successful junior campaign last Friday, finishing 18th in the javelin with a throw of 224 feet, 11 inches at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at historic Hayward Field. Also closing the books on her debut season was Hana Casalnova (Grove City, Pa./Grove City), who took 12th in the 800 meters at the junior championships.
Heitzman put up a strong showing in his first national championship meet. At 224-11, his best throw of the day was his first and turned out to be one of the farthest of his career.
“Although Ted did not throw as far as he had hoped, he did finish seven places above his ranking and beat some very good throwers,” said head coach Kevin Donner. “He capped off his tremendous junior year and gained some very valuable national experience. After some rest, he will be ready for a great senior year.”
Taking the javelin title was Nike's Mike Hazle with a throw of 256-7.
Competing in the USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Casalnova also finished higher than her seeding, earning 12th after clocking in at 2 minutes 12.34 seconds. Her time was a mere second off her personal best set at the Patriot League Championships where she was fourth.
“Hana's heat went out slower than usual in 66 seconds at 400 meters. She ran a very solid race to finish fourth in her heat and 12th overall,” said Donner after the race. “She finished higher than her ranking of 14th with her second-fastest time of the year. She had a great freshman year, and this national experience will really help her for next year.”
True to the seeding, Kenyetta Iyevbele of North Carolina State took the title in 2:08.34.
Heitzman finished the season with the Bucknell (237-8), Patriot League Championships (232-4) and Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium (237-8) records. He received All-America honors after placing sixth at the NCAA Championships earlier this month and First Team All-Patriot League accolades after winning the league title in May.
Casalnova also earned all-league honors after helping the 4x800 relay to a second-place finish at the Patriot League Championships. Her 4x400 relay was also third at the league meet. Both she and Heitzman will return to Bucknell next season as the Bison seek to defend yet another Patriot League team title.
BUCKNELL RESULTS
Men's Javelin:
18. Ted Heitzman – 224-11
Women's Junior 800m:
12. Hana Casalnova – 2:12.34
