BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- Junior thrower Bryan Wilmert (Bakersfield, Calif., Liberty HS) is ready to represent Bakersfield at the NCAA Division I West Regional track and field meet. Wilmert will head to Fayetteville, Arkansas to take on the best of the West in his best event, the hammer throw. The men's portion of the event begins at 10 a.m. (CDT) on Friday, May 30.

Wilmert finished the regular season with the second longest throw in the WAC in 2014 (197-00) behind only Kyle Rothwell of Idaho (198-00). Both men qualified to represent the WAC at the West Regionals, but Wilmert got the laugh last at the conference meet when he placed first and became Bakersfield's first track and field WAC champion.

"Bryan has had as close to an ideal season as possible with the hammer throw this spring," said Bakersfield's Director of Track and Field, Marcia Mansur-Wentworth. "He began at CSUB as a walk-on. He has excelled due to his work ethic, his understanding of the event, and the mentoring of Coach Alan Collatz." Coach Collatz has guided 'Runner hammer throwers to become Division I conference champions in three consecutive seasons (Great West - Thomas Judge - 2012, 2013; WAC - Bryan Wilmert - 2014). "Bryan's success this season has not been a surprise to anyone who knows him. He is a perfect example of what someone can do if they work hard," said Mansur-Wentworth.

Wilmert and Rothwell will head to Arkansas along with 22 other represenatives of the conference. The top 12 performers in each event will earn a spot in the NCAA Championships in June. For live results during the competition, click this link.

~www.GoRunners.com~