this is a little late(1 week) but i figure no one reads these anyways.

Oregon Relays Friday April 25th, 2008. i check the weather religiously all week hoping to catch a glimpse of soem good weather on a meet day but all signs pointed to rain showers all week. but friday rolled around and clouds were over the sky, but no rain.

i was entered in the B section of the meet. i couldnt believe it. i had better marks than some of the guys in the A section. but at least it was good to see that mike hazle 2nd best thrower in the nation (81.89m 268'8") was going to be at the mee. but i was still pissed off, it would have been nice to see some really good competition and just have it push u to a better level. i heard that John Stiegeler (UofO's record holder 252'10") was going to be throwing in the B section as well. he hasnt thrown in a few years so they put him in the B section, but later he never showed up in protest of being put in a weaker flight and got into the A section (later to only throw 208'0")

Anyway i was amped and ready to go. i even got to throw against rival and winner of the 2008 oregon preview from humobolt state Nick Bawden (current PR 219'9") the weather even started to clear up and the sun was shinning brightly. it was amazing a beautiful day. i got to chat with the guys before the meet and meet some new guys. the javelin throwers are always the best people to chat with. some are big and intimidating but they are all super nice. never met a mean one.

i was 2nd to last thrower which normally means u r the second best thrower (ranked from worst to best) so i knew i had to change some people's minds and show them that i was the best. opening throws were all right. best throw was from a eastern washinton kid that threw 207'9" he had his whole team in the stands cheering for him every time he threw. i really wish i had that kind of support. my first throw was 205 and some change. it was alright. i changed javelins to a carbon fiber (the stiffest and my favorite javelin) and threw again. 207'5" i was 4 inches behind. this sucks. we only get 4 throws in the B section

i thought man i guess i am just not going to throw far today. i have just been waiting for the weather to clear and me to really hit one and it didnt seem like it was going to be the day. so i went back to basics thought about keeping my chest up (my biggest flaw is i fold like an accordion) and keep my arm back as long as possible (i have been watching the best of the best in the world frame by frame and they have their arm back after they block, and after they rotate their hips and square their shoulders. its literally the last thing that happens). i threw again and it was a good throw. i could tell it was over the 197' line but i couldnt tell how close to 230' line. we get the reading and i just barely break 220' (220'6") i was so thankful to God. its a huge barrier to cross (the 220' barrier) i thanked God and was all smiles afterwards. its not my best throw i have ever had in practice or warm ups at meets but it was pretty good. its official now.

i thought to myself no one is within 13ft of you.... you dont even have to throw this last throw. but i said i have gotten better with every throw i might as well do it again. i thought of the same things... arm back as long as possible..... and chest up..... and then i said lets get some more speed and really hit it. i threw and it really went well. but my head was down. i could see the 230' line and my javelin was not on it or past it. we got the official reading and it was 67.30m (220'10") a slight improvement. i was happy and took home the win.

i didnt get a shirt of a backpack for winning but i was happy none the less. i never got to watch the A section throw but i heard that 1st place was 265'..... 2nd was 235'..... and if iwas in the A section i would have gotten 3rd.

Oregon Twilight is coming up this next week Friday May 9th 2008. there is only 1 section (A section) and i will be in it. i will be throwing against the best and with the best. its no longer about how far have you thrown any other day but how far u throw that day. who is the better thrower THAT DAY. and i am going to take advantage. i am going to make it count. and God will be right there next to me.