INDIANAPOLIS – Mansfield University senior Hunter Watkins has qualified in the javelin for the 2019 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships hosted by Texas A&M University – Kingsville from May 23-25.
 
Its marks the third consecutive season that Watkins has qualified for the national meet.
 
Watkins set a school record in the javelin at the Bucknell Team Challenge on April 20 with a huge PR of 67.48 meters. The mark broke a 13-year old school record in the event that was set by Jeremy Confer in 2006. Watkins' throw currently stands as the best in the Atlantic Region and the fifth best in Division II.
 
Watkins is seeded fifth in a javelin field of 19 student-athletes. He is one of four athletes from the PSAC competing in the javelin at nationals.
 
As one of just five freshman in the field, Watkins captured 2^nd Team All-American honors with a 12^th place finish at the 2017 NCAA Championships in Bradenton, Fla. In his return to nationals in 2018, Watkins finished 14^th overall at the championships held in Charlotte, N.C.
 
Watkins has earned All-PSAC status in all three outdoor seasons competed in after registering conference runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2019 and a PSAC title in 2018. He is also a three-time All-Atlantic Region honoree in the event.