COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Nearly two years since its last outdoor meet, the Penn State track & field team kicked off their outdoor season on Friday at the Maryland Invitational and ended the day with numerous personal bests.
The Nittany Lions claimed victories in three of the day's six competitions. The day started with the women's javelin throw, where junior Madison Smith claimed the victory with a 50.46m (165-6) throw which is within a few feet of her personal best she set the last time she threw at the Big Ten Championships in 2019 when she claimed the silver medal in the event. Mark Porter followed in the men's javelin, setting the Maryland Kehoe Track facility record with a 73.94m throw. The throw was the second longest in Penn State program history, bested only by Michael Shuey's 79.91m toss in 2017. Freshman Kevin Bartosh and Chris Fredericks also had significant personal bests in the competition throwing 66.73m (218-11) and 65.03m (213-4) respectively.
What a way to start off the season for the javelin squad!
— Penn State Track & Field/Cross Country (@PennStateTFXC) March 26, 2021
Mark Porter wins the men's jav with the second best throw in program history! It's a 73.94 (242-07) for the junior! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/6iYBsUapvW
The team closed out the day with its third victory, when freshman Henry Zimmerman claimed the hammer throw victory in his outdoor debut with a mark of 56.14m (184-2). Gianna Rao, Piper Klinger and Jean Starr competed in the women's hammer with Rao leading the way for the team in fourth place with her performance of 55.50m (182-1).
"Penn State Track and Field had a fantastic first day at the Maryland Invite," Head Coach John Gondak said. "To see our Javelin throwers back in action and sweeping that event along with our hammer throwers competing again and doing well – it was fun to watch. We also had some great efforts in the high jump with Noah Swaby setting a personal best. Both our men's and women's team had amazing energy today while competing and supporting their teammates who competed today – tomorrow is going to be a lot of fun when we bring that same energy."
Penn State will see increased competition on Saturday, with 30 events scheduled throughout the day. The Nittany Lions will kick off the day at noon with the women's shot put and the women's 3000m steeplechase.