Eager Wins USATF Junior National Javelin Crown
June 23, 2011
Derek Eager, who redshirted the 2011 track and field season, captured the 2011 USATF Junior National javelin title on day one of the championship meet in Eugene, OR. Eager, who was second last year at the same meet, won on his final throw of the competition with a monster toss of 227-1. He won the competition by nearly seven feet.
His first throw of the meet was good for 217-0. He then posted a mark of 200-10 on his second throw and a foul on his third to stand in second-place heading into the finals. On his fourth and fifth attempts, he posted marks of 206-3 and 208-3, respectively, and then uncorked the winning throw of 227-1 in the sixth and final round.
Today's throw was a season-best for the freshman as he posted a top mark of 217-3 as an unattached athlete at the Occidental Invite. His lifetime-best is 230-6.
With the win, Eager qualifies for the PanAm Junior Games, which will be held July 22nd to 24th at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, FL.
Also on Thursday, All-American Cory Primm advanced to the semifinal round of the senior 800m after posting the seventh-fastest time of the day (1:47.57). He was fifth in heat three, which was the fastest heat of the day, and advanced on time.
In the senior discus, former Bruin All-American Greg Garza finished 16th overall with a mark of 188-7.