By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post

Sometimes it takes one good year to make everybody take notice. In the spring of 2014, that is exactly what Mattie Schlaefli did in javelin. A year ago she placed second in the 5A State Javelin Throw, uncorking a throw of 128′-11″. It wasn’t her best throw of the year, having thrown 130′-9″ earlier in the year, just three inches short of the Western Athletic Conference meet record. All of that was enough to put collegiate coaches on alert of her ability. On Monday the senior signed her National Letter of Intent to compete at Fort Hays State University.

Mattie Schlaefli

The Tigers are well known in NCAA D-II for their javelin throwers. Current FHSU freshman Estefania Lopez has the best throw in the nation by over nine feet. Sophomore Madison Wolf is third in the nation, trailing second place by two inches. And sophomore Megan Honas currently ranks 13th in the nation.

Coach Kirk Maska

Schlaefli has only thrown in one meet this season after suffering an ankle injury in the next to last regular season game of basketball season. Her event coach Kirk Maska said he expects Mattie to be back to the 130′ mark or better by the regional and state competition, now that she has been cleared to participate again.