KUTZTOWN, PA (April 5, 2010) – Jason Rebuck is more than prepared to live up to the outstanding throwing tradition established by recent Kutztown University greats Jim Dart and Chris Boutsikaris.
The senior thrower took a giant step last weekend at the Princeton Invitational to permanently cementing his name into the pantheon of great KU throwers by provisionally qualifying for the NCAA Division II Championships in the hammer toss. His throw of 183 feet, 9 inches was his best of the young outdoor season.
In addition, each time Rebuck steps into the throwing circle, he hears the voices of the past in his ear urging him to do his best. He has had excellent teachers; and while attaining NCAA glory is great, Rebuck's biggest thrill will be upholding the strong throwing tradition and making the older guys proud.
“They were a big influence for me,” Rebuck said. “Now, I am try to be a leader through my work ethic and actions with the younger guys. It's cool and awesome to have been mentored by guys like Chris and Jim. I mean those guys won PSAC titles and did some great things.”
Rebuck will back in action this weekend when Kutztown competes at Bucknell University. Prior to his season-best toss, Rebuck, a business, marketing and management major, received plenty of inspiration.
“Before our event there was a couple of Olympic-level throwers, which was kind of cool and watching them got me excited.” Rebuck said. “Everything came together nicely for me this weekend and it was cool to throw the hammer that far. I am happy so far with my consistency.”
If Rebuck continues the same torrid pace he has established at the beginning of the season, there's no telling how far he will heave the hammer. In each meet this season, Rebuck has thrown the hammer further. He started the season by throwing the hammer 172-6 at the Coastal Carolina Invitational. Two weeks later, Rebuck won the event at the Washington & Lee Invitational with a throw of 178-9. Friday night at Princeton, he finished fourth overall.
“He's improved as a leader and an athlete,” Kutztown head coach Ray Hoffman said. “Throwing is important to him. He's learned some key things from the older guys, which have helped him this year. I know he has big goals and if he hits the hammer throw right, he could reach 190.”
Currently, his toss of 183-9 is the second best among PSAC student-athletes and third best in school history, surpassing his previous best of 179-0. Rebuck believes he will continue to improve and throw it further. He already holds the school record in the discus after tossing it 163-9 last year. He has the fifth best shot put distance in school history (50-8).
“I definitely feel strong and I am in the best shape of my life,” Rebuck said. “My speed has been a big asset for me because I am small. I don't have the size of some of the other throwers, but my speed and technique helps me.”
Rebuck kind of fell into throwing by accident. He became interested in track when he was 10 years old. He started running but ended up making his living throwing anything from the discus to the hammer to the shot put.
While Rebuck is excited with the individual success and potential for a memorable outdoor season, his most meaningful accomplishment will occur next May. Rebuck will become the first member of his family to graduate from college.
“It's definitely going to be cool,” Rebuck said. “High school is one thing but college is another thing altogether. Being a member of this team has been awesome. I love our team and we're all real close. That closeness has helped us so far because we're all excited for someone else's success.”
