JOHN KOVACH | Colleges No limits to Blewitt's success
ASHLAND -- Adriane Blewitt of the Ashland University women's track team realizes there are no limits to how far she can throw a shot put, discus, 20-pound weight or the hammer.
Because of Blewitt's determination and capacity to learn and excel, and the quality of coaching she has received from four-time Olympian Jud Logan, the junior's progress depends a great deal on her training.
The Boardman High graduate won the NCAA Division II outdoor discus (167-5) last year in Edwardsville, Ill., and indoor shot put (51-31/2) this year in Boston.
Her next goals are to win the national outdoor shot put title and break the meet record.
To do it, she will have to beat last year's champion, Heather Leverington of Emporia (Kan.) State. Last year, Leverington's effort of 53-feet, 5-inches edged Blewitt by 21/2 feet.
Blewitt's personal best is 51-9, delivered last year at an Ohio State Invitational. Her personal-best indoors is 52-7.
"I'm only about three-quarters inches [from] my indoor [personal record] and I can easily translate from indoor to outdoor," said Blewitt.
"A lot has to do with my training. My training indicates I probably can throw at least 53 [feet]."
Bright outlook: Blewitt is optimistic about the upcoming outdoor national championships against Leverington at Angelo State (Texas) University.
"I have a good chance to beat her this year. I have been training really [heavily]. The indoor season was really promising. I've got a lot stronger this year," said Blewitt, three-time runner-up in the outdoor shot put.
"I'm also confident that I can break the record. It would be nice to get double national championships."
There's no limits to her development, she said.
"I have the capacity to improve," she said. "My confidence level is high and my training is great."
She expects to throw the 8.8-pound shot put further by the time the outdoor season nears completion, setting the stage for the national.
"Outdoors [you throw] a little bit further [than indoors] because you have the whole season behind you -- weeks of preparation," said Blewitt.
"Outdoors, you have to work with the weather. If you have a good day, outdoors is nice."
The difference: Logan has proved to be a catalyst in her development.
"[He] is responsible for everything. He is teaching me everything that he knows. That's a big advantage having someone with his experience," said Blewitt.
"I didn't expect this much so soon. I am a six-time All-American with two national titles, and I am only a junior. It's been nice."
Blewitt also is doing better in the indoor 20-pound weight throw, and has higher expectations in the outdoor hammer toss.
She was second in the indoor national weight throw this year with 61-4. She was seventh last year.
After placing 13th in the hammer last year, she'd like to be in the top five this year.
The daughter of Rae Blewitt of Boardman, Adriane is majoring in physical and health education with a 3.4 grade-point average and is planning to graduate in December of 2003.
"I'd love to compete in at least one Olympic Trials in 2004," she said.
It's possible.
"There are no limits on what I can do," she said. "It is just basically if I train to do it."
kovach@vindy.com