The indoor season is upon us and CollegeHammer.com will spend the next week previewing the each NCAA division.  We've felt guilty in the past because we haven't provided as much coverage of the throwers in Division II and III.  Luckily, we've recruited Kevin Becker to help us out with the season previews.  Kevin is well acquainted with the smaller schools, having set a Division III national record in the weight throw with a toss of 21.04m in 2006 in 2007.  Since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, he has continued to train and threw a new best of 21.66m in December.  To learn more about Kevin, read this feature we wrote about him.

2010 Division III Women’s Weight Throw Preview

by Kevin Becker

On the women’s side, the discussion always seems to start with University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  This year is no different.  The Lady Titans walked away from last years nationals with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.  And guess what ... they are all back this year!  Also returning are three other All-Americans including the regular season national leader Alyssa Pirinelli.  With a slew of throwers capable of throwing 17m+ it seems that it will take at least 18m to win this year’s national title.  Here is some info on the top contenders:

Ellie Sitek, Senior, UW-Oshkosh- Personal Best: 17.30m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 3nd

With three indoor national meets under her belt, Sitek is one of the most experienced throwers in contention.  At last year’s meet she made a big jump to third to earn her first All America award in the weight throw.  Being her senior season, I’m sure she is driven to fight for a national title.  She will have plenty of competition however, starting with those she trains with everyday.

Alyssa Pirinelli, Senior, St Lawrence- Personal Best: 17.65m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 7th

With the farthest returning personal best, Pirinelli is certain to be a presence at this year’s national meet.  The 2009 meet was somewhat of a disappointment for Pirinelli as she couldn’t find her stride and finished 7th.  If she is on at the national meet this year she could be difficult to beat.

Holly Ozanich, Junior, UW-Oshkosh- Personal Best: 17.18m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 2nd

Another of the Oshkosh trio, Ozanich made her presence known at the 2009 Indoor Nationals by moving from 7th to 2nd in the final.  Similar dramatics along with another year of progression could put her in a short list for national title contenders. 

Susie Trzebiatowski, Senior, UW-Oshkosh- Personal Best: 16.76m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 4th

The third returning All American for Oshkosh, Trzebiatowski will also be stating her case to be fighting for the top.  Also taking second in the hammer last year, she will be looking for that success to spill over into this indoor season.  Regardless of who wins, expect Oshkosh to walk away with some big points from this year’s nationals.

Vantiel Elizabeth Duncan, Senior, Bates College- Personal Best: 17.55m (2008), 2009 NCAA Finish: 6t, 2008 NCAA Finish: 8th

Duncan is the only two time All American returning in the weight.  If she can improve upon her personal best from the 2008 season look for her to be a contender for the national title.

Claire Ray, Senior, University of Chicago- Personal Best: 17.09m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 14t

Competing in her first national meet last year, Ray had a disappointing finish.  However, her throw of over 17m during the season makes her a very strong competitor this season.  With another year of experience under her belt look for her to make a splash this year.

Connor Ahlborn, Junior, Rensselaer Poly Institute- Personal Best: 16.44m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 5th

Ahlborn entered last year’s national meet at 12th and ended the day as a 5th place All American.  Look for her to carry that confidence into this season and again be one to watch at the national meet. 

Fatima Rose, Sophomore, Springfield College- Personal Best: 16.58m, 2009 NCAA Finish: ND

Rose qualified for the 2009 nationals with a strong freshman throw of 16.58m.  Foul trouble got in her way at the meet, but with three more years of competing she is sure to be back and land in a scoring position. 

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