Sophomore Javelin Thrower Daniel Colina ended his Allen County track and field career the way it should be. He ended with a great performance at Nationals that earned him 8th place which is Coaches Association All American. Daniel's first throw in which the tail end of the Javelin hit the ground was his furthest at 176-00. That throw went on to hold up throughout the meet. Going into finals Daniel was sitting 7th. He was passed up by another athlete's final throw of the competition which bumped him to 8th place. "I'm going to miss Daniel; he's one of those athletes that every coach should have the opportunity to coach." He came to us from a Junior College in Maine wanting to get back into track and field. He was convinced to run Cross Country for us because of number issues last semester, and he was there for us when a relay needed him. "For the things that Daniel was asked to do for us this year, I'm glad he was able to leave with All American honors." "No matter what we asked of Daniel, he never hesitated or asked why, he just performed to the top of his ability."

Also competing were Phillip Dale in Long Jump. Phillip was ranked 18th going in and he ended up finishing 19th with a jump of 21-02.75 which was no where near what he has been jumping all year. Friday just was not Phillip's day, he was doing things technique wise that he never does while jumping. It was a good learning experience for Phillip. Next year we will be loaded in the jumps department. Kayla Irwin was Allen County's only female who qualified for Nationals in the pole vault. Kayla no heighted for the meet. This was Kayla's third meet of the year to compete so she really hasn't had the practice she needs. She is a double sport athlete here at Allen County. Basketball being her primary sport that she is involved with, so getting vault time was tough, but I feel with some schedule changes next year, Kayla will be able to get the attention she needs in order to be successful. Allen County men ended up finishing 26th overall which is night and day better when compared to last years team, and Allen County was able to get a All American in the process.