Throwing to a personal-record and eclipsing the second-best performance in school history, Fawn Miller exceeded the field of javelin throwers.
Florida received its first Southeastern Conference Outdoor champion in any event thus far as Miller set an SEC-meet record of 57.10 meters to capture the title in the women’s javelin throw on the third day of competition in Lexington, Ky.
Miller, as well as teammate and runner-up Marija Vucenovic, enhanced Florida’s chances at obtaining fourth place in the standings but sit well behind third-place Missouri, who has 51 points.
“Warming up I felt great. Going into the finals, I knew I had a lot more left in me and I was ready to let one go,” Miller said.
“It was awesome (to have teammate Marija Vucenovic second), especially when we cheer each other on. We’re so competitive and that competitiveness just pushes both of us to throw even further.”
Miller said she couldn’t be more excited on her personal record and admits she struggled today, but that only excites her enough when she approaches her next outing.
Although setting the bar for the top-ranked Gators third consecutive day of competition, Florida failed to gain ground on the scoreboard as the men remain with 11 points.
However, the women’s team rebounded and increased their point total to 39.5 giving them a position at fourth place, increasing their chances for podium finish during the final day on Sunday.
Other athletes who excelled on the women’s side for Florida consist of sophomore sprinter and jumper Robin Reynolds, who finished SEC runner-up in the long jump (6.36m), and junior jumper Taylor Burke who tied for third in the high jump at 1.77 meters.
After feeling his team showed non-passionate performances through the first two days of competition, coach Mike Holloway said he was proud of the improvements on Saturday.
“I thought we did a great job of qualifying today,” Holloway said. “I questioned our focus and passion the first two days, but I think we overcame that and set ourselves up for a great competition tomorrow.”
The Gators have 23 final events to compete in on championship Sunday and have an opportunity to gain a podium spot on the women’s side, but the men stay distant for a medal finish.
Florida has qualified 19 athletes (10 men, nine women) and seeks a chance at earning their first outdoor SEC title as a program since 2010.
“Get rested and come out here tomorrow and do what we do best — compete our hearts out,” Holloway said.
Follow Lawrence Laguna on Twitter @LagunaLawrence
