Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
NCAA East First Round
United States National Champion Evelyn Bliss Punches Ticket to NCAA National Championships & Breaks Kentucky's Facility Record at the NCAA East First Round
5/28/2026 8:45:00 PM | Women's Track and Field
LEXINGTON, Ky.- For the second consecutive season, United States National Champion Evelyn Bliss only needed one throw with the javelin to win the NCAA East First Round and advance to the NCAA National Championships. In this occurrence, she added her sixth facilities record of 2026 to the deal, as her solo attempt flew 61.02m (200-2).
Fellow javelineer Brylee Tereska also competed and finished 17th in the coda to her incredible four-year Bucknell career. Sprinter Alexandra Lea tied her personal record in the 400-meter dash by running 52.90 to finish 36th – 12 spots better than her seed.
Bliss entered the competition with the goal of hitting 60 meters and repeating her one-and-done situation of 2025. She checked off both items, despite the boiling heat associated with the late afternoon Kentucky sun, with her first toss.
The No. 1 overall seed, slotted seventh in her flight, performed her traditional head toss — swinging her trademarked braids like a Newton's cradle — before charging down the runway and firing the javelin.
The maneuver hushed the crowd, most of which were unaware they were about to see history, as the javelin continued to pulse throughout the uncomfortable heat. It embedded itself in the dried grass and the spotters, not prepared for Bliss' range, hustled backwards to measure.
The workers recorded the distance – 61.02m (200-2) – and a mighty cheer arose from the small but vocal Bucknell crowd and the general audience. The public address announcer informed everyone of what Bliss and the Bison fans already knew: a new facility record was born.
"First throw – one-and-done - was the plan from the start, so I couldn't ask for more," Bliss said. "Oh, I'm sweating, but, you know, it's going to be hot in Eugene, so I might as well get used to it."
She and throws coach Ryan Protzman have strategized for this season, and while the old military adage of "no plan survives enemy contact" has universal evidence, the duo has left a trail of broken records and runner-up finishes in their wake.
"Getting to Eugene and what we do in Eugene has been the focus," Protzman said. "So, the one and done, sure, it's nice to get it out of the way, but the value of getting in training tomorrow, I think, is more aligned with what our goal was at the beginning of the year. It's nice to get through this meet, check that box, but it's back to work and really chasing the score."
Now the focus turns to Eugene and the National Championships where Bliss has already notched All-American honors twice. Both Bliss and Protzman have a higher aim: an NCAA title.
"You know I think at the beginning of the year, the NCAA record is obtainable, and I definitely think with how the year's gone that we can see something special out in Eugene," Protzman continued. "I don't really want to put a number on it. I just want to put her in a position to win. That's been the goal. I'm excited about that. We're just going to keep working on dialing in that full approach and having the timing and rhythm be perfect."
While Bliss secured another national berth, Tereska closed her Bucknell career with another strong postseason showing, tossing three solid throws – 45.56m (159-10), 48.73m (159-10), and 47.15m (154-8) – that enabled her to repeat her 2025 finish.
The Bison senior completed her illustrious career with a litany of historic accomplishments: first Orange & Blue thrower to notch four NCAA qualifications, three Patriot League medals (two silver and one bronze), and sits third in Bucknell history.
"Shout to Brylee Tereska for a great job," Protzman said. "In the last four years, she has been amazing. She really started this thing after Maura Fiamoncini graduated. She got the feet on the ground and they've worked as a team amazingly for the last three years. So, we are going to miss Brylee a ton in everything she's brought, not only to the javelin group, but the whole team. Maybe I am biased, but I consider Brylee a legend."
On the track, Lea delivered one of the best races of her sophomore campaign after entering the competition seeded 48th but the sophomore held her own against elite runners. She raced in the final heat and gained a good early start to overcome the stifling humidity that covered the track like a weighted blanket. Lea placed 45th in the 2025 NCAA East First Round and her progress will continue into 2027.
The NCAA National Championships will be held June 10-13.
