VIDEO OF JUSTIN SHIRK

PUEBLO, CO—Bloomsburg University track and field standout Justin Shirk (Harrisburg/Central Dauphin) won the NCAA Division II national javelin championship on Saturday in Pueblo, Co. Shirk, a sophomore, is the first Bloomsburg national champion in men's track and field in school history.
 
Shirk won the title with a throw of 71.90 meters (235'11”) setting both a new school record and a personal record. The mark is also the fifth best throw in Division II history and is also a “B” cut qualifying mark for the United States Olympic Trials.
 
“I was very nervous having to sit around for a few days (since Tuesday) waiting to compete,” said Shirk. “I just wanted to get out and throw. Conditions were good today out here and (on the throw that won the title) my approach felt good and it just all came together. In fact I didn't even think on the winning throw that it was a good one. I was shocked when coach told me the number.”
 
For Shirk, who finished fourth at the PSAC championships, nothing was different about today as far as his preparation went.
 
“Everything was normal for me today,” Shirk commented. “I approached it just as I would any other meet. It just feels so good to come out and throw like I did in high school.”
 
For head coach Bernie Empie having a national champion is quite a thrill and honor.
 
“This is something special for Justin and all of us on the coaching staff,” said Empie. “To be part of the first national championship in men's track in school history is simply amazing.  It all came together for Justin today.”
 
“Our coaching staff knew that Justin winning a title was a real possibility, although nothing is guaranteed,” Empie continued. “He (Justin) was firing on all cylinders today. In warm-ups he even over threw the javlin zone going over 240'.”
 
“Justin threw 235' in high school, so going past this mark is something he has been chasing for three years,” Empie added. “Now he also has a chance to compete in the Olympic Trails is he so chooses. A chance like that doesn't come around too often.”
 
Shirk opened the competition with a throw of 65.89 meters, then followed up with a mark of 67.53 meters. His third toss of the day turned about to be the winner at 71.90 meters. His fourth throw was 67.61, followed by 65.54 and 68.81 meters. Shirk's closest competition came from Mike Beeler of Pittsburg (KS) State who was second with a throw of 71.02 meters, while Cody Parker of Alaska-Anchorage was third with a mark of 70.85 meters.

The last Bloomsburg athlete to earn All-American honors in the javelin was Stan Kitna in 1977.
 
In addition to his track national championship, Shirk is also an outstanding football player and was a starter on the Huskies last season at linebacker.