SPONSORSHIP

My first year out of college I was able to fund my throwing career through many small personal donations by friends, family, and local contacts. Now in my second outdoor season, Lochmead Farms has become my first business/corporate sponsor and I am thrilled to represent them on and off the track. Lochmead's financial sponsorship and support will allow me to grow and improve as a post-collegiate professional athlete. With the help of Lochmead, I am able to financially pay for travel and board to out of state competitions, throwing equipment, and coaching fees. In return for their sponsorship, I will be advertising and promoting their company by wearing their logo during meets and travel, presenting and participating at business functions, and promoting their company in all track related events/articles. I feel so lucky to not only have the opportunity to support a local family owned business, but to be a part of a company that is owned and run by such wonderful people. I can't wait to wear Lochmead on my jersey at the 2008 Olympic Trials!!

Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner Kersee Invitational

I have now officially begun the outdoor season of 2008. I opened up at the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner Kersee Invitational hosted by UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. After coming off of a mild neck injury, I was hoping to open up my season with 64 meters or more. With the help of perfect weather and a dry ring, I accomplished this on my fourth throw with a toss of 64.29 meters (210'11"). This is the farthest I have ever thrown for my opening meet and a great start to my journey towards the Olympic Trials. I was very excited to reach my personal goal for the meet but was disappointed with my lack of consistency. My throw series:

62.98m FOUL FOUL 64.29m FOUL FOUL

I definitely have kinks to work out in my technique and am really looking forward to my next opportunity to improve upon my opening marks. I really enjoyed the experience of traveling and competing as a post-collegiate thrower. One of my teammates, on Team XO, and I had a day after the meet to check out L.A. and had a great time playing on the rings at Santa Monica Beach. My next meet is a home meet here in Eugene, OR at the Oregon Relays. I can't wait to throw at Hayward Field!