Being far from home and competing against top flight competition in NCAA Division I action hasn't hindered former Sabetha Bluejay, Heidi Heiniger's competitive spirit as she is making a big impact on the Marshall University track program as just a freshman. 

Heiniger who committed to Marshall to throw the javelin has wasted no time to put herself on the map at Marshall and in the Conference USA as she got the track season off to a great start. At the first three outdoor competitions Heidi competed in for the Thundering Herd she registered the top throw in the javelin to win the event. Most recently the former Bluejay competed in the well known Penn Relays and took ninth place out of 31 throwers. Her best throw at the college level so far was a mark of 42.80 meters (140-5).

According to Marshall Athletics website Herdzone.com assistant track coach, Travis Coleman who works with the throwers has his throwers write down goals at the beginning of the season and Heiniger set a goal of hitting at least 150 feet. If the former Bluejay is able to accomplish the feat she wouldn't be far off of the Marshall javelin record of 48.24 meters (158-3) set back in 2013. 

Coach Coleman talked about the goals that Heidi set for this year, “We’ve spoken about potential and what the goals for each athlete are as they get through school. We have short- and long-term goals. The goal for this year is to break 150 feet (45.70m) and right now she has hit 42.80m which translates to 140-5, so she is getting close to her short-term goal already. To some 10 feet sounds like a lot to gain, but with an implement that only weighs about a pound, all you need is that one throw that cuts through the air just right and there is no telling where it will land."

While Heidi enjoyed plenty of success at the high school level throwing the javelin at Sabetha and finishing seventh or better at State in Class 3A all four years in high school she knew that the competition level in college would be tough. “I’ve been kind of surprised, yes,” Heiniger admitted. “The first time I won (at the UNF Spring Break Invitational) I was very shocked, I guess. Because, I figured, you know, you come to college and everybody’s got to be at least slightly better than you are or maybe around the same.

Heiniger is well off to a strong colleigaite track career throwing the javelin for Marshall University and looks to continue her progress and preform well for the Thundering Herd. 

Feature article on Heidi Heiniger on Marshall University Athletic website - click here 
(qoutes from story courtesy of Athletic website story)