FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Blake Sturgis has made history as the first Vandal javelin thrower to qualify for the NCAA championships in over ten years. He secured his spot by finishing eighth at the NCAA West First Round, held at the University of Arkansas, despite the heavy rain.
Idaho’s Track and Field Director, Tracy Hellman, expressed pride in Sturgis’s achievement. “Blake has worked incredibly hard this year. Seeing him reach his goal is rewarding. He embodies what it means to be a Vandal—he’s a natural leader and supports his teammates. His journey is inspiring, and we’re thrilled to see him qualify for the finals,” Hellman said.
Sturgis showed resilience in challenging weather, with each of his three attempts improving steadily. He capped off his performance with a throw of 72.12m (236’7″), securing his place in the national championship set for June in Eugene, Oregon.
This season has been standout for Sturgis. He earned three Big Sky Athlete of the Week honors and delivered the second-longest throw in school history at 73.21m (240’2″), breaking the Whitworth Pine Bowl facility record. He also achieved all-conference honors at the Big Sky Championships.
As he prepares for June 10, when he’ll compete against the country’s best, Sturgis is ready to make the most of this opportunity.
In other news, Keenan Kuntz wrapped up his sophomore year at the same meet, participating in both the 100 and 200-meter sprints. Kuntz, who holds the Big Sky 60m record, placed 28th in the 200, clocking in at 20.94 seconds—his third time breaking the 21-second mark this season. He finished 30th in the 100, marking his first appearance at the West Regional.
Looking ahead, Constanze Paoli will compete on Saturday in the 3000m steeplechase after earning a regional spot with one of the top times in the nation.
Sturgis’s achievement exemplifies dedication and determination in athletics, and it highlights the potential for future Vandals to shine on the national stage. For more on NCAA athletics, visit the NCAA official site.
