Long Beach State University Athletics
Lefler Strikes Gold, Two More on to Nationals
5/29/2004 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
Lefler Strikes Gold, Two More Move on to Nationals NORTHRIDGE, CA--Doug Lefler struck gold on Saturday, winning the NCAA West Regional Championships in the javelin with a new school-record and lifetime-best throw 237'04" to qualify him for the NCAA Championships in Texas. Teammate Ami Goldhammer finished fifth in the javelin to also qualify for the NCAA meet. Lefler was in second place going into the final round of competition, but unleashed a throw of 237'04" to capture LBSU's first ever individual Regional Championship title. The mark was also an improvement on his Olympic Trials qualifier by two feet. He will head to Texas in two weeks with the hopes of earning All-American honors. "Long Beach is proud of their athletes and they way they competed at the Regional Championships. We gained a lot of ground on our competition and we're excited because we have room to grow," said Head Coach Andy Sythe. Ami Goldhammer also punched her ticket to Texas after finishing fifth in the javelin competition with a new school-record and lifetime-best throw of 155'02". Goldhammer was in ninth place going into her final throw of the competition, where she too unleashed a throw to move her on to the National Championships. Lefler, Goldhammer, and John Temidara will all head to Texas June 10-13 for the NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas. "Our athletes heading to Texas in two weeks have the ability to earn all-american status, as well as compete for individual titles in the men's javelin and men's high jump," said Sythe. "Championships are won by individuals who have great talent, overcome pressure, and believe. I would put my money, belief and confidence in John Temidara and Doug Lefler because of how they have handled things all year long athletically and mentally to achieve big things in Texas," added Sythe. Several 49ers earned All-Region honors on Saturday after solid performances. Junior Serena Boykin finished seventh in the shot put with a lifetime-best throw of 50'04.50". She was five inches off of qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Sophomore Emily Forsythe finished sixth with a best of 5'10.50" in the high jump. Forsythe just missed a trip to Nationals after a four-way tie for fifth place. The fifth spot was awarded to BYU's Lindsey Metcalf after she was the only one to clear that height on her first attempt Junior Megan Irey finished eighth in the triple jump with a mark of 40'05.50", less then an inch off her season-best. Freshman Kim Heinz finished eighth in the javlein with a lifetime-best throw of 149'05". Senior Shingo Suzumura finished seventh in the 110m hurdles with a time of 14.61. On Tuesday, final entry lists will be announced, setting the field for the NCAA Championships. Seven to eight at-large spots will be awarded to athletes based on national ranking, along with the 20 automatically qualified from the four Regional Championships. |
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