EUGENE, Ore. - Blake Sturgis closed his standout Vandal career by earning second-team All-American honors Wednesday, finishing 14th in the javelin at the NCAA Outdoor Championship among a crowded field of the nation's best. 

"What a senior season for Blake!" Director of Track and Field Tracy Hellman said following competition Wednesday night. "Getting to the NCAA finals is extremely difficult, and he came here and represented Idaho at a very high level! He did great, and to finish 14th in the NCAA final is very impressive. Blake has been super instrumental in getting our throws program back to an elite level, and we are grateful for his commitment to Idaho." 

Throws coach Julie Taylor was equally glowing about her All-American senior leader, saying, "Blake competed well today in a very high-caliber javelin competition. Finishing 14th in the nation for a kid who started as a walk-on is a testament to Blake's work ethic, talent and commitment.    Finishing second-team All-American is a great achievement for someone who has never been to the NCAA championships." 

On his first throw, the Spokane native launched a 70.59m (231'7") throw that would stand as his best and would finish as the third best in the first flight. 

Sturgis' senior season was one for the record books, as he earned a podium at May's Big Sky Championship, three conference Athlete of the Week nods, and placed his name second in Idaho's history books in April, setting the Whitworth Pine Bowl facility record in the process. 

"Wish I did better, but 14th ain't bad," Sturgis stated while reflecting on his season. "Sad that my career as a Vandal is over, but I'm just getting started!"

UP NEXT
Constanze Paoli will make her debut on the national stage Thursday night in the women's 3000m steeplechase semifinal. The junior will compete in the first heat, which begins at 5:38 p.m. The race can be watched on ESPN2.