USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

USA Junior Championships

DETROIT – Assistant Coach Brian Richotte and freshman Eric Lewis will both travel to Eugene, Oregon to compete in the hammer throw this weekend. Richotte will participate in the 2011 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, while Lewis will take part in the USA Junior Championships.

The meet will be held at Hayward Field from June 23-26. Coach Richotte is scheduled to throw on Thursday, June 23 at 4:20 p.m. EST. Lewis will throw in the Junior Nationals on Friday, June 24 at 10:50 a.m. PST.

Coach Richotte recorded a USA qualifying standard mark back on June 8 at the Last Chance Throwers Gala, hosted by Indiana Wesleyan. Richotte took first place overall with a throw of 228-2 (69.56m).

“It is a great accomplishment for Brian to get back to the USA's with a PR,” said Detroit Titan Head Coach Guy Murray. “He did a great job this year balancing a full-time job, coaching our throwers and training for his own throwing. He improved his PR and is good position to return to the Olympic Trials next year.”

Lewis qualified for the 2011 USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships while competing at the Windsor Open at the end of May. Lewis threw the 6kg hammer at the Windsor Open in attempt to qualify for the USA Junior Nationals. The 6kg is the lighter, international implement for junior athletes (U20). In order to qualify an athlete must throw 180-5.5 (55m). Lewis reached the mark by recording a distance of 184-7 (56.26m).

“This will be a great experience for Eric to cap a very good rookie season,” Murray said. “This was his first year of hammer throwing and to hit the qualifier for the junior nationals is a great feat. He has a bright future in this event.”

TV Schedule:
ESPN2, June 24 / 11:00 pm-1:00 am ET
ESPN2 Re-air, June 25 / 1:00 -3:00 pm ET
Universal, June 25 / 3:00-4:30 pm ET
NBC, June 25 / 5:00-6:00 pm ET
Universal, June 26 / 3:00-4:00 pm ET
NBC, June 26 / 5:00-6:00 pm ET