Tuesday, Feb. 3, 1998

Trackmen pair impressive in Boston at Terrier Classic

By SCOTT SWINDELLS
Collegian Sports Writer

Two members of the Penn State men's track and field team represented the Nittany Lions in Boston this weekend at the Terrier Classic. Two Nittany Lions earned medals. It seems a pattern is forming.

Neil McNutt threw the 35-pound weight for a distance of 61-4¾ and a first-place finish. Assistant coach Andrew Hardyk also made a strong showing for the Lions, finishing second in the long jump with a distance of 24-4½. Coach Hardyk ran a 6.53 seconds in the 55-meter and a 22.66 in the 200, but did not place in either event.

"I haven't competed in a while, so I was just getting my feet wet," Hardyk said. "For Neil it was a little more important."

Lion Neil McNutt prepares to throw the 35-pound weight during a practice session. McNutt placed first in this event at the Terrier Classic in Boston, but fell just short of the qualifying distance. Assistant coach Andrew Hardyk placed second in the long jump in the Classic. (Collegian Photo/Christa Rimonneau - click for full size image)

McNutt hoped to throw far enough to qualify for the NCAA Championships in March, according to head coach Harry Groves. His throw fell within a foot of the provisional qualifying distance, which is 62-4, but with between four to six weekends of competition still ahead of McNutt, he can be more than confident in his chances.

"This weekend was very positive, especially for Neil," said Hardyk. "He's trying to qualify for nationals, and it's definitely getting him closer. He really competed under control -- he had some long fouls, but he worked through them and finished first."

It was McNutt's fourth first-place finish in as many weekends of competition.

"It was a big move in the right direction for qualifying and a positive experience," said Hardyk.

McNutt and Hardyk both expressed their satisfaction with the weekend performances.

"We represented Penn State well," McNutt said, "which is what we wanted and what coach Groves wanted.

"I'm happy I won and I'm glad we could do so well," he said, "but you know, we're always moving on toward bigger and better things. Ten guys or so in the nation have already qualified (for the 35-pound weight in the NCAA Championships), and I feel like I'm right up there with them. There's always something to look ahead to and work a little harder for."

Not looking too far ahead, the Lions head to Princeton, N.J., as a team this weekend for the Feb. 7 Princeton/Connecticut Meet.

"Connecticut is a tough squad," McNutt said. "They'll be some good competition."

So will Penn State.