Guilmette Earns All-America Honors In Javelin

CLAREMONT, Calif. - It's only Saturday, but Keene State College's Glenn Guilmette has already had a memorable Memorial Day weekend. For the second year in a row, Guilmette is an All-American in the javelin.

The junior from Kensington, N.H. uncorked a school record and personal best throw of 217'-09' to finish fourth in the event at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College on Saturday.

"I had a real good warm-up, so I felt this was going to be my day," said a confident Guilmette. "This is my third time to the nationals. I was excited, but not nervous."

His positive mindset was complemented by favorable weather conditions. With temperatures in the mid-60s, no humidity and a slight tail win, he knew the javelins would be flying.

Competing in the first of two flights, Guilmette was on target right from the start of the competition, unleashing a throw of 216 '-10.75 " in his first attempt.

"It was a very good throw, but I noticed he slowed up a bit right before his release," said KSC throwing Coach John Napolitano. "I told him he needed to accelerate a little more and follow all the way through with his throw."

Heeding his coaches' advice, Guilmette launched a missile that landed 217'-09" away and landed him on the podium. "Once I let it go, I knew it was going to go," said Guilmette. "Everything clicked."

"Glenn couldn't have picked a better time to come through with his best throw," said Napolitano. "The field was really strong and he needed a bomb."

Tim Van Liew, a junior from Rutgers-Camden, won the event and national title with a mark of 220'-05".

Guilmette has improved every year at the Championships. After failing to make the finals as a freshman, he finished fifth as a sophomore. "I'm real happy with my performance, but I know I can do better, Guilmette said. "Hopefully, I'll get a chance to come back next spring and do even better."