AUSTIN, Texas-- The 2015 CSU Bakersfield track and field season came to a conclusion on Saturday after Karnell Grimes competed at the NCAA Division I West Preliminary meet. Grimes placed 42nd in the javelin at the regional competition with a best throw of 188-09.
“Karnell had an outstanding season,” said Alan Collatz, the throws coach at CSUB. “He improved his best by 20 feet, became a WAC champion, and earned an invitation to the NCAA prelims. His relentless determination to improve was rewarded this year and I am very proud to have been a part of his successful season.”
With an opening-round throw of 167-06, Grimes had room to improve in the coming rounds. The native of Rosamond, Calif. increased his distance with each of his subsequent throws. After Round 2, Grimes had a best mark of 170-02.
Bakersfield's senior went out with a bang, improving from his second throw by almost 20 feet with a final distance of 188-09. Grimes ended up in ninth-place in his flight with two remaining flights still to compete. In the end, the former baseball player turned track and field star finished 42nd out of the west's Top 48 javelin throwers.
Grimes, who posted a breakout season, improved his personal best multiple times this year. The senior concluded his collegiate career with a best distance of 204-05. After fighting tough conditions, Grimes prevailed at the WAC Championships and became the second Roadrunner to win a WAC individual title.
Despite throwing shorter than expected on Saturday, Grimes will leave the program with the fourth-longest throw in CSUB history. Earlier this year, he became the first 'Runner to go over 200 feet since 2001.
“Karnell struggled to get it going today, but he still threw farther than his 2014 best,” said Collatz. “I wish he had another year. He would shock some people.”
“I am very happy for Karnell and very proud of the season he put together,” said Marcia Mansur-Wentworth, Director of Track and Field for CSUB. “He had an outstanding year while also excelling in the classroom. He is going to graduate with a 3.55 GPA in biochemistry and deserves the success he has achieved. Just to make it to the NCAAs is an incredible accomplishment.”
Saturday's West Preliminary concludes the 2015 season for CSU Bakersfield. The 'Runners will return home to train over the summer and prepare to begin the 2016 season in January.
~GoRunners.com~
