March 25, 2008

Beeler, Hassaballa Garner MIAA Weekly Honors

    Overland Park, Kan. -- Pittsburg State University javelin thrower Mike Beeler was named the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Field Athlete of the Week while distance runner M.J. Hassaballa garnered MIAA Track Athlete of the Week honors Tuesday (Mar. 25).
    Beeler, a 6-foot-0, 190-pound freshman from Lenexa, Kan., earned a provisional qualifying mark to nationals during his first collegiate competition, the Wendy’s/PSU Open last Saturday (Mar. 22).
    He placed third in the javelin with a personal-best toss of 199 feet, 5 inches -- finishing behind a pair of unattached competitors.
    Beeler is a graduate of Overland Park (Kan.)-Shawnee Mission West High School.
    Hassaballa, a 5-foot-10, 140-pound sophomore from Lawrence, Kan., won the 1,500 meters in a personal best time at the PSU Wendy's Open last Saturday (Mar. 22). He clocked in at three minutes, 58.24 seconds, edging Jaime VillaZapatero of Drury (Mo.) by .25 seconds for the victory.
    Hassaballa is a graduate of Free State High School.

    Other Track Athletes Nominated: John Bullock, NWMSU.
    Other Field Athletes Nominated: Sheldon Cook, NWMSU.