Blake Sturgis became the first Idaho Vandal javelin thrower to qualify for nationals in over a decade when he finished eighth at the NCAA West First Round on May 27 at the University of Arkansas’ John McDonnell Field. The event took place under rainy conditions, but Sturgis improved with each throw, ultimately securing his spot in June’s national championship meet with a final attempt of 72.12 meters (236 feet, 7 inches).
“Super proud of Blake qualifying for the NCAA’s finals in Eugene!” Idaho’s Director of Track and Field said Wednesday night. “He has worked extremely hard all year and to see him accomplish this goal of his is very satisfying. Blake is absolutely what we look for in a Vandal, as he is a natural leader of our program. He is very supportive of others and has helped the program get better, so him qualifying for the NCAA finals was exciting to see. Also, big congrats to Coach Julie [Taylor] as she did a phenomenal job this year coaching.”
Sturgis’ season included earning three Big Sky Athlete of the Week awards during outdoor competition and recording the second-longest mark in school history with a 73.21-meter (240 feet, 2 inches) throw that broke Whitworth Pine Bowl’s facility record. He also secured Big Sky all-conference honors with a podium finish at the conference meet before advancing to Fayetteville.
The national javelin final will take place on June 10 at 6:15 p.m. in Eugene, Oregon, where Sturgis will represent Idaho among top competitors nationwide.
In other events Wednesday night, another Idaho athlete closed his sophomore season by competing in both the 100- and 200-meter races at regionals—finishing 28th in the 200 meters with a time of 20.94 seconds and breaking under 21 seconds for the third time this season—and placing 30th in his first individual West Regional appearance.
Looking ahead, an additional Vandal earned a regional spot with one of the nation’s top times in the men’s 3000-meter steeplechase and will compete on Saturday, May 30.
