Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: Madelyn Hudak
US National Champion Evelyn Bliss Wins Award Trifecta of Penn Relays Women's Collegiate Individual, Patriot League Outdoor Women's Field Athlete of the Week and Bison of the Week
4/28/2026 2:37:00 PM | Women's Track and Field
LEWISBURG, Pa.- United States National Champion Evelyn Bliss added three more awards to her already-groaning trophy case by winning the Penn Relays Women's College Individual of the Meet, Patriot League Outdoor Women's Field Athlete of the Week, and Bison of the Week after her record-breaking performance in the javelin throw at last weekend's Penn Relays. The Bison superstar smashed the facility and meet records at the historic competition en route to another event victory.Â
"Evie has been on a tear this year," said throws coach Ryan Protzman. "Her best mark at each NCAA meet this year is good enough for a national leading mark. This level of consistency is building confidence as she chases a big goal this year. Snagging a gold watch is certainly icing on the cake."Â
Bliss rolled to another event victory and her third facility and meet record of the 2026 season, despite shaky weather and a persistent wind. She shattered the old Penn Relays meet record of 56.46m (185-2) set in 2025 by Irene Jepkemboi with her first toss of 57.31m (188-0), accomplishing her day's goal in the first round. The substantial crowd, filled with plenty of Bucknell fans and graduates, including 1976 NCAA Champion Thomas McLean, celebrated the feat.Â
Her next four throws, while all good enough to win the competition and the envy of the other participants, were below Bliss' exemplary standards. She reset her outlook and started the customary slow clap for the final throw. The crowd responded and not a single hand was seen in refusal of motion. Bliss drew upon the extra reserve and uncorked her last chance. The javelin cut through the air and leaned right but stayed fair. Everyone awaited with pulsing hearts to hear the outcome. The mark of 59.35m (194-8) flashed on the scoreboard for a new facility record, removing three-time United States national champion Lynda Lipson-Blutreich's 1997 distance of 58.56m (192-1) set 29 years ago to the day, from its proud perch. The throw won Bliss the customary Penn Relays gold watch and College Women's Field Performance of the Day.
Bliss became the first Bison to win the Penn Relays Women's College Individual of the Meet and first Orange & Blue athlete to notch three Patriot League Outdoor Women's Field Athlete of the Week awards in one season since fellow javelineer Laura Rycek in 2011. Rycek enjoyed a banner season, setting the then school record of 48.35m (158-7), winning the Patriot League title, slotting 11th in the NCAA East First Round, and placing 23rd at the NCAA National Championships, notching All-America Honorable Mention. Her success laid the foundation for Javenell University - a tradition proudly carried on by fellow NCAA qualifiers Bliss, Maura Fiamoncini, Meg Sangimino, and Brylee Tereska.Â
The Bison junior remains ranked first in the NCAA and third in the world with her 61.34m (201-3) throw at the Bison Outdoor Classic. She has set facility and meet records at the Colonial Relays (William & Mary), the Bison Outdoor Classic (Bucknell), and the Penn Relays (Penn).Â
Tereska joined Bliss in claiming the top two spots for the Bison. The senior thrower claimed a distance of 47.77m (156-8). Like her teammate, Tereska's finest hour arrived during her last attempt.Â
Bucknell heads to Maryland's Kehoe Twilight this Friday for a final tuneup before the Patriot League Outdoor Championships on May 15-16.Â
"Evie has been on a tear this year," said throws coach Ryan Protzman. "Her best mark at each NCAA meet this year is good enough for a national leading mark. This level of consistency is building confidence as she chases a big goal this year. Snagging a gold watch is certainly icing on the cake."Â
Bliss rolled to another event victory and her third facility and meet record of the 2026 season, despite shaky weather and a persistent wind. She shattered the old Penn Relays meet record of 56.46m (185-2) set in 2025 by Irene Jepkemboi with her first toss of 57.31m (188-0), accomplishing her day's goal in the first round. The substantial crowd, filled with plenty of Bucknell fans and graduates, including 1976 NCAA Champion Thomas McLean, celebrated the feat.Â
Her next four throws, while all good enough to win the competition and the envy of the other participants, were below Bliss' exemplary standards. She reset her outlook and started the customary slow clap for the final throw. The crowd responded and not a single hand was seen in refusal of motion. Bliss drew upon the extra reserve and uncorked her last chance. The javelin cut through the air and leaned right but stayed fair. Everyone awaited with pulsing hearts to hear the outcome. The mark of 59.35m (194-8) flashed on the scoreboard for a new facility record, removing three-time United States national champion Lynda Lipson-Blutreich's 1997 distance of 58.56m (192-1) set 29 years ago to the day, from its proud perch. The throw won Bliss the customary Penn Relays gold watch and College Women's Field Performance of the Day.
Bliss became the first Bison to win the Penn Relays Women's College Individual of the Meet and first Orange & Blue athlete to notch three Patriot League Outdoor Women's Field Athlete of the Week awards in one season since fellow javelineer Laura Rycek in 2011. Rycek enjoyed a banner season, setting the then school record of 48.35m (158-7), winning the Patriot League title, slotting 11th in the NCAA East First Round, and placing 23rd at the NCAA National Championships, notching All-America Honorable Mention. Her success laid the foundation for Javenell University - a tradition proudly carried on by fellow NCAA qualifiers Bliss, Maura Fiamoncini, Meg Sangimino, and Brylee Tereska.Â
The Bison junior remains ranked first in the NCAA and third in the world with her 61.34m (201-3) throw at the Bison Outdoor Classic. She has set facility and meet records at the Colonial Relays (William & Mary), the Bison Outdoor Classic (Bucknell), and the Penn Relays (Penn).Â
Tereska joined Bliss in claiming the top two spots for the Bison. The senior thrower claimed a distance of 47.77m (156-8). Like her teammate, Tereska's finest hour arrived during her last attempt.Â
Bucknell heads to Maryland's Kehoe Twilight this Friday for a final tuneup before the Patriot League Outdoor Championships on May 15-16.Â
Players Mentioned
Throws
/ Women's Track and Field
Throws
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