June 30, 2004

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - Freshman Robert McDade from nearby Cardinal O'Hara High School won his first national title in the discus at the USA Junior National Championships held this past weekend in College Station, Texas. He posted a throw of 58.53m with the 1.75kg implement. The victory secured him a spot on the US national team, which will compete at the World Junior Track and Field Championships to be held in Grosetto, Italy, on July 13-18.

McDade was the last qualifier into the final, and after waiting through the meet's third weather delay, he exploded on his final toss to strike gold.

McDade had a tremendous rookie year for the Wildcats in 2003-04 and continues to show improvement with every competition. By competing in Italy, he will go against some of the best throwers in the world and in doing so will establish himself as a top collegiate thrower for the Villanova program.

Drew Eckman of Oxford PA, also competed in the meet and finished 7th in the 400m - barely missing a spot on the team. Redshirt Freshman Michael Kerrigan had a big day as well finishing second in the 1500m event in a personal best time of 3:53.79. His time did not qualify him for the World Championship's in Italy, but when he returns to compete for Villanova next season, he will be an athlete to follow closely.

"This was a very good year for our young athletes when you include Andrew Keino and Robert Curtis in the group and we will rely heavily on them to continue the great Villanova tradition over the next few seasons," said Head Coach Marcus O'Sullivan.