PSU is Javelin U

Our motto of "PSU is 800 U" happens to really tick off a significant population of those who DESERVE to be perpetually ticked off.  But it is really a celebration and an incentive to excellence in the future.  It can't help but improve EVERYBODY involved with Track and Field, whether Nittany Lions or not.  And so it should be noted as well that...

PSU is Javelin U

Lauren Kenney, Laura Loht, Melanie Leszcynski, and Megan Boyer garner 23 Points at the B1G Championships!

1. Lauren Kenney         173' 10"

2. Laura Loht                168'  9"

5. Melanie Leszcynski  143' 11"

8. Megan Boyer            136'  4"

PSU is Javelin U

Penn State has had a strong tradition in the Women's Javelin and this early season has seen some good performances to keep the tradition alive. Last week at the LSU Invitational, Penn State again dominated the event:

1 Laura Loht                SO Penn State              49.91mM    163-09 
      44.91m  49.91m  49.48m  49.06m  46.08m  49.53m
  2 Lauren Kenney             FR Penn State              47.47m     155-09 
      FOUL  47.33m  45.39m  43.94m  46.71m  47.47m

8 Megan Boyer               SO Penn State              40.59m     133-02 
      40.59m  38.86m  FOUL  34.70m  39.57m  38.36m

10 Melanie Leszcynski        FR Penn State              35.49m     116-05 
      35.49m  34.40m  34.35m            
 11 Olivia Mangan             FR Penn State              33.81m     110-11 
      31.59m  31.45m  33.81m 

Speaking of the javelin, here's a neat article about  Dana Zatopkova, Emil Zatopek's widow.  She was once the World Record Holder in the Javelin and the Olympic Gold Medalist in the event.  She made 4 straight Olympic teams starting in 1948.  She still has her wooden javelin used to win the Gold, now the handle of a broom.

And for you javelin aficionados out there, I have a question for you.  What is the optimal release angle for the javelin?  While I'm at it, what is the optimal release angle for the shot put, discuss and hammer too?   And would your answer be the same as what a Physicist would answer?