June 14, 2008
DES MOINES, Iowa - Purdue junior Kara Patterson became the 29th women's ýoutdoor All-American in school history on Saturday, taking fifth place in the javelin at the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships, hosted by Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Patterson marked 53.93 meters (176-11) on the day, securing the Boilermakers' second straight All-America honor in the women's javelin, following 2007 NCAA Champion Lindsey Blaine, the fourth woman in Purdue's history to earn national honors in the event, joining Blaine, Serene Ross and Charity Smead, and Purdue's eight All-American this decade.
"This is a great accomplishment for (Patterson)," said head coach Jack Warner. "Getting on the podium for the first time in her career is a big step, and puts our women's team in the points for the second straight season."
Patterson had a tough start to the day fouling a big first throw, but rebounded on her second to mark 53.39 meters (175-02), which proved good enough to advance to the final nine and earn three extra throws. Two more fouls followed on her third and fourth attempts, but she righted the ship on her fifth and sixth throws, topping out on her final attempt at 53.93 meters.
"I'm really excited to get my first All-America award," said Patterson. "I really had my sights set on the national championship, and I'm a little disappointed about that, but this was a great step in the right direction for me. I was really working on getting my legs back under me and feeling powerful with my crossover, since I'd lost that lately and definitely did that."
Patterson's struggles with fouls had little effect on her as she said they did feel good. "My first sector foul felt good and probably went 53 or 54 meters, so I wasn't worried ýabout making the finals," she added. "I felt better as I went on in the competition, and I know that I'm back on track heading into the summer."
The placing gave the Purdue women four points for the championship and their final team placing will be decided this evening upon the completion of the meet. It marks the second straight year the Purdue women have scored at the outdoor national championships and fifth time in the last seven years.
"It was a solid effort for our group this season," said Warner, who took the biggest group ýof athletes in his tenure at Purdue to the national meet. "We had a lot of young athletes make the championships this season, most of which were at the meet for their first time," he continued. "They all got some great experience and a taste of what national competition is like."
Patterson will continue her training as she's scheduled to vie for a spot on the 2008 United States Olympic team at the U.S. trials in Eugene, Ore. on Saturday, June 28. The Purdue team continues its postseason schedule next weekend as several athletes will compete at the U.S. Junior Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.