One of the most accomplished throwers in the history of the Valparaiso University women’s track and field program, senior Sarah Drozdowski (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) finished her collegiate career on Saturday in her best event, placing 22^nd in the hammer throw at the NCAA East Preliminary Round in Jacksonville, Fla.

Drozdowski was consistent with her three efforts on Saturday, as all three tosses were within six feet of each other. The mark which would earn the senior her 22^nd-place showing in the 48-athlete field came on Drozdowski’s first toss, as she hit a distance of 183’1” (55.81m) – less than seven feet shy of qualifying for the NCAA Championships. She then posted a second throw of 179’1” and capped her career with an effort of 177’9”.  Drozdowski was sitting in 11^th position heading into the final flight of competitors.

Drozdowski’s effort on Saturday was her second-best of the season, surpassed only by her school-record mark of 187’9” (57.22m) at the Illini Twilight meet on Apr. 18 – the throw which qualified her for the East regional.

Saturday’s performance capped a stellar career at Valpo for Drozdowski, who ranks among the Crusaders’ all-time top-five in six different events between the indoor and outdoor record books – including school records indoors in the weight throw and outdoors in the hammer throw. Drozdowski was named the Horizon League Outdoor Athlete of the Year and Outstanding Field Performer after a stellar league outdoor championship meet this season, including a victory in the hammer throw – the second of her career.