Pastore rips off record javelin toss

Jenn Pastore hadn't thrown javelin in NCAA competition for nearly two years. A transfer from Villanova, the junior sat out last season to recuperate from surgery and return to the Lady Lions at 100 percent.

It was worth the wait.

The previous Penn State mark was held by Stacey Gibbs with a throw of 182-5 in 1992. Pastore's effort would have been tops at last year's NCAA track and field nationals and the U.S. Championships.

"I wasn't expecting it at all," said Pastore, who played football and wrestled in high school. "I was really excited for the meet three months in advance. I didn't think of distance, I just wanted to throw."

How impressive was her throw?

"Most guys can't do that," senior runner Erica Bosler said.

Pastore's launch overshadowed an impressive team performance in which many competitors notched lifetime bests.

Among those were Julie Schaadt's throw of 149-10 in the hammer throw which placed third and a sixth-place finish in the discus with 142-7. Erin St. John's time of 17:01.7 in the 5,000-meter run was a lifetime best and placed her eighth. Lori Mayton also set a lifetime best in the javelin with a throw of 141-7 and a sixth-place finish. Three of the four javelin throwers set lifetime bests.

"We had an overall good feeling and a good start for our first meet," coach Teri Jordan said. "Every group did really well. We had a great showing for our first outdoor meet."

Other top performers from the weekend were senior Kim Hicks with a third-place finish in the shot put with 14.33 meters. Bosler's time of 2:13.35 placed her ninth in the 800.

Senior Carleen Martin tied for 10th in the high jump with a height of 1.62 meters. Sophomore Laila Brock placed 13th with a time of 55.71 in the 400. The 4x100 meter team and the 4x200 team finished fifth and seventh, respectively.

"With the performances we had this past weekend, we're right on track for a top-three finish in the Big Ten," Bosler said.

Despite completing its events, the team hung around until all members were finished, even late into the night.

"Team support of each other was really impressive," Jordan said. "I really like our team unity and team spirit."

The Lions left Carolina uninjured and with a starting point to build from the rest of the season.

"The most important thing is to get a base and build on it," Jordan said. "Establish a good mark."