Track Signs Two Athletes For Throws

Monday, March 18 2013


 

 
CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois track and field has announced the signing of two athletes that will compete in throws for the Panthers next season.  Riley Kittridge and Bryn Buckwalter have both signed national letters of intent.

Kittridge currently competes at Waubonsie Valley HS in Aurora where he placed seventh in the IHSA Class 3A shot put as a junior with a championship throw of 55'1”.  His best mark in the shot was 57'9”.  He was a state qualifier in the discus with a mark of 164'5” as he won the Naperville North Sectional.  His top throw in the discus was 167'11”. 

“I am thrilled to have Riley on the Panther throwing squad,” said EIU throws coach Jessica Sommerfeld.  “We have been looking for someone that does both the shot and discus very well from high school and he definitely fits the bill.    He is one of the top returning dual event throwers in the state and he will make a significant impact at the OVC and National level for the EIU Men's team.”

Buckwalter has been a three-time IHSA Class 2A state qualifier in the shot put and two-time state qualifier in the discus competing at Freeport HS.  She was state champion in the discus as a sophomore with a throw of 125'09”.  As a junior she placed second in the discus with a throw of 133'4”.  In the shot put she placed fourth in the state as a sophomore with a throw of 40'5.75”.  She was sixth in the state as a junior with a shot put distance of 38'9.25”.  As a freshman she won the Rochelle Sectional shot put event.

“Bryn is a versatile thrower.  She is tall and athletic.  She has been a multi-sport athlete (VB and BB) and this will help her be a great all-around thrower,” added Sommerfeld.  “We are very excited to have her be a part of the Panther family.”

EIU will open the outdoor track season on March 29-30 compete at the Southern Illinois Saluki Invite.