Texas A&M javelin throwers win Big 12

By Teri Reed
POST-REGISTER

The Texas A&M men”s track and field team finished sixth at the 2005 Big 12 Outdoor Track & Field with the help of two javelin throwers from Caldwell County.
Senior Jarrad Matthews, from Luling High School, and junior Anthony Alfier, from Lockhart High School, grabbed the top two places against their Big 12 rivals.

>
Matthews overcame two years of close calls to win his first-ever Big 12 championship. He clinched the victory with his second toss, a throw of 217 feet, five inches.
“The third time was the charm,” Matthews said. “I was hoping to hit a big one today but even though it didn”t happen, it was good enough to get the job done. When I let go of my second one, I knew I would be in pretty good shape and took the stress off. It feels good to finally break through and win.”
Alfier took the runner-up honors behind his teammate with a toss of 211-8 on his third throw. Alfier finished in fourth and seventh place at the previous two Big 12 meets.
“Coach De La Garza (A&M”s throwing coach) and I are very pleased with our group of javelin throwers today,” Texas A&M Head Coach Pat Henry said. “To have that many people score in one event is great. Our multi-event people are about where we thought. We need to get a solid day out of both Allen and Jennifer tomorrow as well.”
terireed@post-register.com