David Friedberg: The Greatest Javelin Thrower in NAIA History!
Marion, Indiana - It is hard to believe that Reinhardt's own - David Friedberg - ended his outstanding track & field career on Wednesday, however, he did it in style by winning the NAIA Javelin Title for the third time. He ends his time with Reinhardt Track and Field as the most decorated athlete in the program's history with the NAIA National Championship and All-American status for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 track seasons.
Friedberg only started throwing the Javelin four years ago after coming to Reinhardt on a football scholarship. He is a standout wide receiver on Coach James Miller's gridiron squad, but he was asked to throw the Javelin his freshman year. Without much instruction, he worked his way through his freshman season just learning the basics of throwing the Javelin. During his sophomore season, the track & field program brought in Coach Josh White who started Friedberg down the path of success. His first NAIA title in 2022 was a big surprise to all and the potential was seen what he could do.
Training for the next year began almost immediately, and Friedberg put in individual time to prepare his body for the next outdoor track season. Coach White worked on his technique and mechanics to get everything just about perfect. His second NAIA Championship was not as much of a surprise, but it was not easy for Friedberg. He had to come from behind to take the title for the second time on his final throw.
In Wednesday's third NAIA title, Friedberg again waited to the last throw to show why he is the best in the NAIA. Of his six throws, four of them were better than the second-place finisher who ended his day at 67.08 meters. Jakob Biatnik of Point Park University was the closest to Friedberg finishing in second place - but he was a solid 4.8 meters behind. Friedberg threw 71.88 meters on his final throw to show he was again the top man in Javelin for the 2024 Outdoor Track Season.
He will go down as one of the greatest NAIA Javelin Throwers ever and currently holds the NAIA All-Time record with a throw of 76.08 meters which he threw in late April 2024 at the Berry College Field Day in Rome, Georgia.
Friedberg finished his college track & field career as one of the greatest track & field athletes in Reinhardt history and the All-Time top Javelin Thrower in the NAIA! His career in Javlin is not over as he plans to continue working with Coach White as they prepare for the United States Olympic Trials happening in June. The two will make their way to Oregon to compete with the best throwers in America (all levels) with a shot at representing the USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Congratulations David Friedberg, Throws Coach Josh White, Head Coach Austin Brennan, and Sprints/Jumps Coach Jason Hitzeman on another successful track & field season!
For a complete look at the NAIA Track & Field National Championships results, please see the following link:
http://live.crossroadstiming.com/meets/622567