Haman learned about javelin, titles in a hurry

When Courtney Haman signed with Southeast Missouri State University's track & field program in 1999, she had an idea she might be asked to learn the javelin.

But little did Haman know that she would quickly turn into the Ohio Valley Conference's best.

"Never did I expect to do this well this quickly," she said.

Haman, a Southeast junior and a Central High School graduate, will try to defend her javelin title at home today when the OVC Championships begin at the Abe Stuber Complex.

"Having the conference meet here is great," said Haman, the only Southeast defending women's champion in the field for this weekend's meet. "Everybody is looking forward to it."

Haman earned multiple all-state honors in the high jump at Central and she also was an outfielder for the Tigers' softball team. There is no girls' javelin in Missouri high school track, as is the case with most states. But the javelin throw is similar to an overhand throw in softball, which Haman did well.

"With Courtney's softball background, and her strength, we thought she could pick it up and she really has," Southeast coach Joey Haines said.

Said Haman with a laugh, "Coach Haines mentioned something about it when I signed, but not a whole lot until I got here. But I was actually really excited about learning it. I guess they knew I had a pretty good arm."

In addition to winning last year's OVC javelin title, Haman was second as a freshman. And she has continued to perform well in the high jump, finishing fourth in the OVC indoor this year and fourth and fifth in the two conference meets last season.

But while Haman, a Southeast Scholar Athlete, still enjoys high-jumping, the javelin has taken over her heart.

"It was frustrating, but once I got the hang of it, it's been fun," she said. "I love it."

mmishow@semissourian.com

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