Eugene, Ore.- Former Monmouth University track and field All-American Bobby Smith has become the first U.S. National Champion in school history after besting the field in the javelin at the Olympic Trials at Hayward Field on Sunday afternoon.

Smith's throw of 249' 06” (76.06m) was almost one foot further than the next closest competitor (Nike's Mike Hazle) winning the event for the former Hawk All-American.  His winning throw came on his fifth throw, which also set a personal best.  The competitors had one more throw to beat Smith but could not dethrone the Monmouth alumni.  Smith had the eighth best throw in Friday's Trials, earning him a spot among the top 12 in Sunday's final.  All of the competitors had to face a stiff headwind during the first few rounds .

The Olympic trial rules state you must finish in the top three or have the Olympic “A” standard of 268' 4”, which Smith did not hit, so while he earned the National Championship he did not have the mark to represent the U.S. at the Beijing Olympics.  Two of the athletes Smith topped ( Hazle and Leigh Smith) did have the standard.

“Bobby has put his life on hold over the last few years to have a chance to throw against the best at the Olympic Trials,” said Monmouth head coach Joe Compagni.  “I am very happy and proud for Bobby and his former coach (at MU) Abe Flores.”

For complete results visit www.usatf.org