April 15, 2008

LEWISBURG, Pa. - For the third consecutive week, freshman Laura Rycek (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) of the Bucknell women's track and field team was tabbed as Patriot League Rookie of the Week, after her top performance in the javelin at the Bison Outdoor Classic this past weekend, the league announced Tuesday.

Rycek claimed first place in the javelin at the Outdoor Classic, throwing an NCAA East Regional provisional distance of 143-3. Her distance was also a career best and the second-best throw in Bucknell history. Rycek is the first member of Bucknell's track and field team to post a Regional mark this season.

To open the outdoor season, Rycek received her first Rookie of the Week honor on April 1, for her finish at the Maryland Invitational on March 29. Rycek placed third in the javelin throw at Maryland, posting an ECAC mark of 136-10, which was the No. 2 mark in Bucknell history at that time. The freshman earned her second league honor on April 9, for throwing an ECAC-qualifying distance and a new No. 2 mark for Bucknell of 139-11 in the javelin at the Sam Howell Invitational.

The Bucknell men's and women's track and field teams are now prepared to host its second of two home outdoor meets this weekend. The Bucknell Team Challenge is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 19, at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.