Jullien wins the NCAA hammer throw title to claim second national championship
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Virginia Tech\'s Spyridon Jullien won the national title in the hammer throw today at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships held at Sacramento State\'s Alex G. Spanos Sports Complex. Jullien ends the 2005 season with two NCAA championships, one in the 35-pound weight throw (indoor) and now one in the hammer throw (outdoor).Jullien (Jr., Athens, Greece) threw the hammer 231\'1\" (70.43m) on his third throw of the six throw series to win the national title and his third All-American honor in the event.
Fourth-year head coach Dave Cianelli commented, \"Spyridon competed like a true champion today. Yes, Spyridon was the favorite to win all season long and coming into the finals but that didn\'t phase him. He performed well and was the best hammer thrower today and that is what it came down to. I would like to thank Greg Jack, Tech\'s associate head men\'s track & field coach/throws coach, for doing an amazing job in preparing Spyridon and our throwers for this meet. Today is an exciting day for Spyridon, Coach Jack, the track & field program and Virginia Tech.\"
Throwing the hammer this outdoor season, Jullien won the NCAA east region and ACC titles. He set the school, ACC overall and meet and Florida State\'s Mike Long Track records. He was named Mondo Outdoor Southeast District Athlete of the Year, All-ACC and ACC Outdoor Track & Field Performer of the Week for his accomplishments in the event.
Mattias Jons (Boise State) finished in second place with his mark of 225\'11\" (68.87m). Nick Owens (North Carolina) threw 222\'4\" (67.76m) for a third place showing. Cory Martin (Auburn) took fourth place with 216\'9\" (66.07m) and John Paul Smolenski (Purdue) was fifth with 215\'11\" (65.82m).
Competing for the Hokies later this evening at the championships is Jacobus Smit (javelin), Brian Mondschein (pole vault), Sven Hahn (shot put) and Saskia Triesscheijn (heptathlon). Results will be available at http://www.ncaasports.com/track-and-field/results/outdoor/2005/div1/finals/0610/.