Fresno State Athletics

Bulldog throwers shine at Central California Invitational
3/6/2021 11:40:00 PM | Track & Field
FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State's throwers shined in the team's opening meet of the 2021 outdoor season on Saturday at Fresno Pacific's Central California Invitational. The Bulldogs were dominant in the throwing events, claiming wins in the javelin, discus, shot put and hammer throw.
In her first collegiate meet in nearly 21 months, Vanja Spaic hit a mark she needed to start the season with, topping out just over 50 meters. The program's record holder in the javelin, Spaic's best throw of the competition came in at 50.23m/165-5, more than 47-feet ahead of her next closest competitor.
Freshman Amelia DiPoala claimed pair of wins in the discus and shot put. DiPaola edged out San Jose State senior Grace Togiai by just under two feet in the discus with a mark of 41.66m/136-8. In the shot put she split the top spot with another senior Spartan, Chantel Ward, as the two both saw their top tosses come in at 12.85m/42-2.
The Bulldog throwers put their depth on display in hammer throw with a dominant showing, finishing 1-2-3-4 in the event with three surpassing the 50-meter mark. All four set new personal bests in the process. Hannah Chappell won the event landing a mark of 55.43m/181-7. She edged out senior Tahj'nee Thurston's toss of 54.91m/180-2. Amelia DiPaola (51.89m/170-3) and Trinity Williams (46.76m/153-5) rounded out the group of four Bulldogs.
Quotes
Head Coach Jason Drake
On the performance of the throwers…
"It was a great day for the throwers here in the outdoor opener. All of our hammer throwers landed personal records which was great to see in the first meet."
On Vanja Spaic…
"Vanja in her first college meet in almost two years threw a mark that will easily get her into regionals. Good to see her open up with a solid performance."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FS_TracknField
Instagram: FS_TracknField
In her first collegiate meet in nearly 21 months, Vanja Spaic hit a mark she needed to start the season with, topping out just over 50 meters. The program's record holder in the javelin, Spaic's best throw of the competition came in at 50.23m/165-5, more than 47-feet ahead of her next closest competitor.
Freshman Amelia DiPoala claimed pair of wins in the discus and shot put. DiPaola edged out San Jose State senior Grace Togiai by just under two feet in the discus with a mark of 41.66m/136-8. In the shot put she split the top spot with another senior Spartan, Chantel Ward, as the two both saw their top tosses come in at 12.85m/42-2.
The Bulldog throwers put their depth on display in hammer throw with a dominant showing, finishing 1-2-3-4 in the event with three surpassing the 50-meter mark. All four set new personal bests in the process. Hannah Chappell won the event landing a mark of 55.43m/181-7. She edged out senior Tahj'nee Thurston's toss of 54.91m/180-2. Amelia DiPaola (51.89m/170-3) and Trinity Williams (46.76m/153-5) rounded out the group of four Bulldogs.
Quotes
Head Coach Jason Drake
On the performance of the throwers…
"It was a great day for the throwers here in the outdoor opener. All of our hammer throwers landed personal records which was great to see in the first meet."
On Vanja Spaic…
"Vanja in her first college meet in almost two years threw a mark that will easily get her into regionals. Good to see her open up with a solid performance."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FS_TracknField
Instagram: FS_TracknField
Players Mentioned
T&F Indoor Meet Highlight
Wednesday, February 25
T&F: Cierra Jackson, 2025 discus national champion
Wednesday, June 18
The Game Changers: Coaches Corner - Gary Newell
Tuesday, February 13
The Game Changers: Coaches Corner - Gary Newell
Tuesday, February 13









