Today's Arbitrary Highlight! Triple Jump

My one and only Triple Jump occurred in the 9th grade and soared to more than 33 feet!  That was the same day as my only high jump over 5 feet.  Since I couldn't carry a pole vault pole and the javelin was still prohibited, I was never going to be a multi-eventer...

The Bison Invitational at Bucknell was the scene of some fine Nittany Lion and Nitany Lion Alums Triple Jumps yesterday.  Brian Leap (still makes me giggle!) won the Triple Jump with a fine 53' 4.25" (16.27M).  But just behind him was Steve Waithe (Alum) with 15.86M and Hanif Johnson (Alum) with 15.22M.

Get a Jump on Things

Why don't you take after Hanif Johnson and get a jump on things (or a hop, skip and a jump!) and reserve your room for the 11th Annual Coach Harry Groves Golf Outing and Reunion!  A block of rooms at the Hampton Inn has been reserved again at the great rate of $95/night.  These are on a first come/first served basis.  The rate will be in effect until 4/20 or until they are all gone. Call 814-231-1590 and be sure to use the code PST to ensure the best rate.  The Idiot Officers of our group really want to see you there!

Wow!

In his first ever college race, Freshman Robbie Creese bided his time in the first half of his 1000 M race and then just turned on the gas. He never let up until the tape and then the fun began. His 2:19.53 was obviously better than Clothing Engineer Ryan Foster's School Record. But then it was also the facility record and the event record. As if that wasn't enough, it bettered Alan Webb's 2006 Junior Record. (Robbie won't turn 19 until August!) After additional checking it turns out his effort is the Indoor 1000 M Collegiate Record! This bettered a former 2008 Olympian's previous record, (Christian Smith).  Wow!

There were other signs of a big season upcoming from the Nittany Lions:

1. Caitlin Lane - School Record 1000 M  - 2:44.24.
2. Casimir Loxsom - School Record 600 M - 1:16.66.
3. Jane Swenson's second straight home victory in the shot put - 47' 7".
4. Will Barr's second straight home victory in the 35 lb weight throw - 60' 11.5" (approximately 60 ' further than I could ever throw it!) And this article on Will comes from Blog Laureate Larry Mangan.  We are trying to come up with a different title for Larry. which should be finalized following the Penn State National.)
5. Hanif Johnson- Triple Jump of 51' 4.25" (third in the nation!)
6. Jon Hendershot - another 7' clearance in the high jump.

I apologize for missing so many other worthy efforts!  I can't wait to see the Nits at the Penn State National!

Outdoor Season Begins With a Record; And Raffle Item Announced!

This is a horrible cell phone picture of a blanket I had made from the great Lion Shrine Photo on the left sidebar I titled "First Light".  The blanket turned out beautifully and should be a nice addition to anyone's home.  My wife has inexplicably donated it to the cause to be auctioned off on Friday night at the Reunion Evening before the 10th Annual Coach Harry Groves Golf Tourney.

And the Outdoor Track Season has begun!  With a bang, may I add?  On the top of the list was the School Record in the 4 X 400 M Relay from the quartet of Aaron Nodolsky, Casimir Loxsom, Brady Gehret and Lionel Williams.  Their 3:07.19 bettered the old mark by more than a second.  Hanif Johnson also bettered his PR in style, winning the triple jump with a combined leap of 51 feet 8 and 1/2 inches!  Wow!