Hopson adds 3rd place finish to stellar career
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Track and field
(NCAA DIII OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEET WEBSITE/RESULTS)
MARIETTA, Ohio -- Fredonia State senior Julia Hopson (Poughkeepsie/Arlington) claimed her fifth All-American title Thursday night at the NCAA Championships in Marietta, Ohio, finishing third in the hammerthrow. Hopson’s final throw of 52.67 meters moved her up from fifth to third place. Ellie Sitek from Oshkosh Wisconsin won the event with a throw of 53.61 meters. Sitek's teammate Susie Trzebiatowski claimed second with a throw of 52.86 meters.
Hopson narrowly missed the finals after fouling on her first two of her three preliminary throws. She was in fourth place heading into the finals. “It was a stressful competition, but one of the most rewarding, “ said Hopson.
It was Hopson’s final collegiate track meet after having graduated last Saturday. “It was a great finish to an outstanding career “ said head coach, Liz Aldrich. “Julia is an amazing athlete and her leadership and training ethic will be missed.”
During her four years at Fredonia, Hopson earned five All-American titles – three in the indoor weight throw and two in the hammerthrow. This winter she made history when she became Fredonia’s first female national champion, winning the 20-pound weight throw during the indoor season. Hopson holds SUNYAC records in the weight throw and hammerthrow and amassed 13 SUNYAC titles between the weight throw, hammer throw and shot put. She also won five ECAC titles and set numerous facility records.
Teammates Allyssa Kline, Nick Corigliano, Joe Vella and Bobby Rappole made the trip to Marietta to cheer on their teammate. Team captain Allyssa Kline was very pleased with the experience. “It was exciting to watch Julia throw in her final competition and we were glad we could support her.”
Hopson hopes to continue her track and field career as a coach at alma mater Arlington High School in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.