Smatlak Returns to Nationals
Anderson University women’s track and field standout Emily Smatlak (Lynnwood, Wash./Lynnwood) has been selected to compete in the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships for the second time in her career, which was announced by the NCAA on Friday.
Anderson University women's track and field standout Emily Smatlak (Lynnwood, Wash./Lynnwood) has been selected to compete in the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships for the second time in her career, which was announced by the NCAA on Friday.
Athletes ranking in the top 19, nationally, in single individual events automatically qualify for the national meet. Smatlak fired the javelin 42.10 meters (138 feet, 1.5 inches) during the Pacesetter Sports Invitational on May 7, which currently ranks 14th on the NCAA Division III leaderboard.
Smatlak finished in 18th place in the javelin during the 2019 national meet as a sophomore with a throw of 37.45 meters (122 feet, 10.5 inches). The NCAA Outdoor Championships were cancelled in 2020.
As a sophomore, Smatlak recorded a toss of 41.47 meters (136 feet, 1 inch) as a sophomore to hit the national leaderboard. Smatlak has secured United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Great Lakes Region honors as both a sophomore and a senior. Currently, Smatlak ranks second on the Great Lakes Region leaderboard.The senior from Lynnwood, Wash. has earned three Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Field Athlete-of-the-Week selection this season and four in her career. During the HCAC Outdoor Championships, Smatlak claimed first in the javelin as a sophomore and second in the javelin as a senior. As a sophomore, her throw of 39.72 meters (130 feet, 3.75 inches) in the conference meet broke the meet record.
The three-day national meet is set to begin on May 27 at 10:30 a.m. in Greensboro, N.C. Smatlak is scheduled to compete in the javelin on May 27 at 5 p.m.
