Blake Sturgis wrapped up his collegiate career at the University of Idaho on a high note Wednesday, earning second-team All-American honors after placing 14th in the javelin at the NCAA Outdoor Championship in Eugene, Oregon.
The Spokane native, a senior with the Vandals, finished with a best throw of 70.59 meters — 231 feet, 7 inches — recorded on his first attempt. That mark ranked third-best among competitors in the first flight of the event.
A Walk-On Who Made History
Sturgis’ path to the national stage began without a scholarship. He joined the Idaho program as a walk-on and steadily worked his way into one of the most accomplished javelin careers in school history. By the end of this season, his mark placed him second all-time among throwers in the Idaho record books.
Along the way, Sturgis collected three Big Sky Conference Athlete of the Week honors and set the facility record at the Whitworth Pine Bowl in April. He also earned a podium finish at May’s Big Sky Championship, helping cement his standing as one of the conference’s premier field competitors.
Track and Field Director Tracy Hellman praised the senior’s performance and what it means to the program. “Getting to the NCAA finals is extremely difficult, and he came here and represented Idaho at a very high level,” Hellman said.
Sturgis acknowledged mixed emotions after the event, expressing both pride in the finish and the bittersweet reality of closing out his time in a Vandals uniform. “Wish I did better, but 14th ain’t bad,” he said. “Sad that my career as a Vandal is over, but I’m just getting started.”
Vandals Still Competing in Eugene
The University of Idaho’s presence at the NCAA Championships is not finished. Junior Constanze Paoli is scheduled to compete Thursday evening in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase semifinal. Paoli will run in the first heat, which begins at 5:38 p.m. Coverage of the race will be available on ESPN2.
For fans of University of Idaho athletics, both Sturgis’ All-American finish and Paoli’s upcoming race highlight a strong showing for the Vandals at the national level this spring. Students and fans looking to stay connected with campus life and athletics can also find details on summer events in Moscow, including the University of Idaho’s free outdoor movie series.
What Comes Next
With his college career now complete, Blake Sturgis moves on from the Vandal program as an All-American and a second-place name in Idaho’s javelin history — a remarkable outcome for an athlete who walked on without a scholarship. His final words suggest he views the NCAA honor not as a finish line but as a foundation for what lies ahead in his athletic future.
Meanwhile, all eyes in the Vandal athletic community will be on Eugene on Thursday evening as Paoli takes the track in her steeplechase heat. Her performance will be another measure of Idaho’s depth and competitiveness on the national stage as the outdoor track season nears its close. For more on University of Idaho athletics and campus news, visit our coverage of student life and wellness at U of I.