GREENCASTLE, IND 3/12/10 – Juniors Bryan Kolacz and Allison Chamberlain are proving to be quite a formidable pair for Keene State College at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.
Both Kolacz from Brentwood, N.H. and Chamberlain a native of Scarborough, Maine, turned in memorable performances in the first day of competition at the national meet on Friday night.
The last competitor to make it into the finals in the weight throw event, Kolacz posted a mark of 60'6" in his final toss of the day to finish sixth and earn All-America honors. Chamberlain, the top-seed in the 800-meter event, ran a way from the field, winning her preliminary race with a Hollensteiner track record time of 2:10. 81.
Both Owl athletes were competing simultaneously at one point. When he wasn't competing, Kolacz was cheering for Chamberlain as she made her way around the throwing circle.
"After Bryan got into the finals by the skin of his teeth, I told him to really get after it," said KSC throwing Coach John Napolitano. "He was finally able to lean into one and get the mark he needed to be an All-American and I couldn't be happier for him."
"It was a roller-coaster day for me. I didn't know what to expect." said Kolacz, who was national champion last spring in the hammer. "My ankle gave way on my last throw, but somehow I was able to fall inside the circle without fouling."
Kolacz said he was happy to get the opportunity to return to the national meet after fouling out of last year's competition. "Not too many people get a chance to come back," he said. "I was able to fix the problem and redeem myself. I couldn't be any happier."
Eric Jones of St. Lawrence University won the weight throw event with a toss of 62'-9 ¼".
Chamberlain took off from the start and coasted to the win in her preliminary 800 race. "Everything went as planned," Chamberlin said. "No one came up to challenge me, so I was able to save myself for the finals."
Chamberlain's time (2:10.81) broke the previous track mark of 2:11.59 set by Liz Woodworth of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2003.
Chamberlain has almost a four second advantage over Lauren Reisch of DePauw and Emily Schudrowitz of St. Norbert College, who both recorded the second fastest time of 2:14.25 in their heats.
With his competition over, Kolacz will have plenty of time to cheer on Chamberlain as she races for a national championship in Saturday's 800 final. "I could hear him cheering for me and it really helped me," said Chamberlain. "I'm sure he'll be there for me tomorrow."
