Saturday, May 28, 2011

DELAWARE, Ohio - Junior Ryan Bell (New Wilmington, Pa./Wilmington) became the Westminster College men's track and field team's first-ever NCAA All-American after he placed fourth in the javelin Saturday at the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships hosted by Ohio Wesleyan. Bell, the second Titan ever to qualify for the NCAA meet, threw the javelin 62.80 meters (206 feet) to earn five points.

Westminster placed 40th out of 82 teams with Bell's five points.

Bell entered the meet seeded seventh in the javelin at 64.87 meters.

Gary Zack of Moravian was the national championship for the javelin with a throw of 67.37 meters. Top seeded Lars Tenglin of North Park, who entered the meet with a throw of 67.46 meters, placed second at 66.74 meters.

The other Westminster male to qualify for the NCAA meet in team history was Adam Hadbavny who placed 13th in the discus in 2006.

2011 NCAA Division III Men's Javelin Championship

1. Gary Zack, Moravian - 67.37
2. Lars Tenglin, North Park - 66.74
3. Thomas Masterson, Delaware Valley - 63.36
4. Ryan Bell, Westminster (Pa.) - 62.8
5. Glenn Guilmette, Keene State - 62.78

About Westminster College...
Founded in 1852 and related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Westminster College ranks first in the nation as "Best College for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math," according to Forbes.com. Westminster is a top tier liberal arts college, a national leader in graduation rate performance, and a "Great School, Great Price," according to U.S. News Best Colleges guide. Westminster ranked 38th among liberal arts colleges, according to the Washington Monthly College Guide, and is one of the most affordable national liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania. Westminster is also honored as one of "The Best 373 Colleges" and "Best in the Northeast" by The Princeton Review, and is named to the President's Honor Roll for excellence in service learning.

Nearly 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students benefit from individualized attention from dedicated faculty while choosing from 41 majors and nearly 100 organizations on the New Wilmington, Pa., campus. Visit www.westminster.edu/advantage to view "Advantage: Westminster" A Strategic Plan 2010-2020.