Steve Bedard and Johvonne Hernandez: SUper Throwers
2/21/2004 1:35:37 AM | Track and Field
Bedard has exceeded BIG EAST- and IC4A-qualifying standards in the shot put in each of his attempts this season. His best throw, 16.45 meters, earned him fourth place at the Penn State National Open. Bedard qualified for the BIG EAST Championship in the weight throw at Penn State with a throw of 16.34 meters. He improved that performance with a throw of 16.40 meters and a second-place finish at the Syracuse Invitational. Bedard returned to the team this season after redshirting in 2003 due to injury. Two years ago, Bedard finished third in both the weight throw and shot put at the BIG EAST Indoor Championship.
Hernandez is the defending BIG EAST indoor champion in the shot put and weight throw. She was named the Outstanding Female Field Performer at the 2003 meet after winning both events. This season, Hernandez has dominated her competition in the weight throw. She has hit an NCAA Provisional-qualifying mark of 18.81 meters twice, at the U.S. Track Coaches Association Series Meet and at the Bison Winter Classic, winning the event at both meets. Hernandez also won the weight throw at the Cornell Relays. Hernandez has exceeded the BIG EAST-qualifying standard in the shot put in each of her attempts, including a season-best 14.85 meters at the Bison Winter Classic. She finished first at that meet after being sidelined with an injury. Hernandez also won the shot put at the Cornell Relays and placed second in the event at the U.S. Track Coaches Association Series Meet. Hernandez holds the school record in the weight throw, 19.31 meters, set at last year’s league meet.
Syracuse hosts the BIG EAST Indoor Track and Field Championship in the Carrier Dome, February 21-22. Daily admission for adults costs $5, while admission for children 18-years and younger and senior citizens 55-years and older costs $3. Students from BIG EAST schools will be admitted free with their student ID.
