What a start to Leah Howard’s college career!
Howard, a Texas Tech freshman from Millville, threw 159-9 on her final attempt Saturday to win the Masked Rider Open at Texas Tech in Lubbock. Howard also had a 157-6 in her series. She won by 5 ½ feet over Bruna Veira de Jesus of New Mexico Junior College of Hobbs, N.M.
Howard’s throw is No. 5 in the NCAA Division 1 among freshmen and it’s No. 4 in the Big 12. It’s listed as No. 17 among U.S. women on World Athletics, although they’ve been slow to update the database lately.
Howard has a PR of 163-1 from last year’s Woodbury Relays. That’s No. 2 in state history behind Oakcrest’s Brielle Smith, who threw 168-6 at Woodbury in 2019.
Texas Tech has a tremendous women’s javelin tradition, with two NCAA champions and 22 All-Americans.
Howard began her career with a win a week earlier at the Wes Kittley Invitational at Abilene Christian. She threw 152-7 on her 5th attempt and also had a 151-6 on her first throw – her very first college throw.
World Athletics does not list a birth date for Howard, but she is likely eligible for U.S. Under 20 Championships in Eugene in June, which is the qualifier for World Juniors in Lima, Peru, in August.
Athletes who don’t turn 20 before midnight Dec. 31, 2024, are eligible. Most college freshmen meet the eligibility requirement.
From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank 