Fromm Rewrote NCAA Javelin History
John Fromm’s first collegiate record almost never happened.
The junior javelin thrower from Pacific Lutheran was in danger of not qualifying for the finals of the 1957 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Austin.
That changed on his last throw of the trials.
Despite having won the NAIA Championships a week earlier with the year’s top collegiate effort of 243-11 (74.34m), Fromm was the last and final qualifier in the NCAA meet at 213-11 (65.20m).
As Track & Field News co-founder Bert Nelson reported, a sleepless night seemed to help Fromm as the next day “he moved into fourth with 225-0 (68.58m), then uncorked the winner on his ultimate try.”
The distance of 247-1 (75.32m) wasn’t just a PR, but also a new meet and collegiate record.
Fromm’s uneasiness was a result of his unfamiliarity with using a new Held javelin, the en vogue model designed by Dick Held, brother of three-time NCAA champ Bud Held of Stanford. Held javelins had just begun a rage of popularity in the mid-1950s.
Fromm was a heavy favorite for the 1958 NCAA meet in Berkeley, especially having improved his own CR to 252-10½ (77.06m). But still Fromm entered the finals trailing New Mexico’s Buster Quist, who had PRed 239-9 (73.08m).
On his last effort Fromm unleashed a huge throw which landed with its middle on the concrete curb of the track. It was ruled fair, and the measurement of 257-1 (78.36m) gave the Lute another CR as he won by a then-meet record margin of 17-4 (5.28m).
Fromm’s NCAA titles were the first in any sport for the small school in Tacoma, Washington, which now competes in NCAA Division III. He remains the only javelin thrower to set CRs in more than one NCAA meet.
The NCAA and collegiate track & field will mark a momentous milestone in the spring of 2021 -- the 100th anniversary of the NCAA Championships and with that, the NCAA Track & Field Championships. In June 1921, the University of Chicago hosted the first track & field championships in NCAA history.
This point can’t be emphasized enough: Not only was the event the first for NCAA track & field, but the first championships for any sport under the sponsorship of the NCAA.
To celebrate, over each of the next 365 days, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) will celebrate moments, student-athletes, and coaches that have made a century’s worth of championships special. From humble beginnings to important historical milestones to the modern-day, collegiate track & field has evolved with the American society.
The 2021 edition of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin with preliminary round action on May 27-29 in Jacksonville, Fla., and College Station, Texas. The championships final site and culmination of the celebration is slated for June 9-12, 2021 at the newly rebuilt Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
Carr Displayed His World Record Speed
Henry Carr set a meet record in the 220 yards of 20.5 at the 1963 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Joaquim Cruz’d To Meet Record, 800-1500 Double
Joaquim Cruz won three career titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. In 1983, he set a meet record in the 800 of 1:44.91 & completed the 800-1500 double in 1984.
Back-To-Back 200-Meter Crowns For Annelus
Anglerne “Angie” Annelus won back-to-back 200m titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 2018 & 2019. Her 22.16 winner from 2019 is the 4th fastest mark in collegiate history.
Indoors? Outdoors? Johnson Starred In The PV
Jan Johnson won the pole vault title at the 1970 NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships and tied the meet record of 17-7.
Beard Capped Sensational Year At NCAAs
Jessica Beard won the 400 & then split the fastest 4×400 leg ever recorded at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships to lead Texas A&M to a relay crown.
Biles Brothers Boast Historic Winning Feat
Martin Biles & Robert Biles were the first siblings to win the same event at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. Marty won the javelin in 1940 & 1941, while Robert did so in 1942.
Branta Set NCAA MRs In 1500, 3000
Cathy Branta set meet records in back-to-back years at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships: 8:59.57 in the 3000 (1984); 4:12.64 in the 1500 (1985) as part of a 1500-3K double.
Brophy Led “Deca Central” With MR In 1992
Brian Brophy led a 1-2 finish by Tennessee athletes in the decathlon at the 1992 NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships. He won with a meet record of 8276 points.
UCLA’s Brenner Won Amazing SP Duel In 1984
John Brenner completed the discus-shot put double at the 1984 NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships and won the shot put after an incredible duel against Michael Carter.
Ellerbe, Misipeka Dominated The Hammer
Dawn Ellerbe and Lisa Misipeka went 1-2 in each of the first two years that the women’s hammer was contested at the NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships.