Matti Mortimore is this week's UNOPrivateers.com Student-Athlete of the Week.
Competing in the javelin for the first time this season at the Louisiana Classics, Mortimore posted a result of 227-11 to register what was then the NCAA's top throw of the season, surpassing the 216-4 established by Southeastern Louisiana's Derek Hampton earlier this month.
In addition to establishing an NCAA-best, Mortimore broke the 22-year old UNO school record of 215-3 posted by Jeff Huth in 1991. Mortimore's effort also allowed the Privateer to become the first freshman in the nation this year to throw over 200 feet this season. The previous high for a first year student-athlete in the event was held by Howard's Rajae Gayle (190-8).
As of Saturday's competitions around the country, Mortimore presently ranks No. 5 in the nation and tops amongst freshmen competitors.
A listing of the nation's top javelin throwers is below.
1. Sam Humphreys, Texas A&M 267-1
2. Ben Lincoln, Wake Forest 247-3
3. Devin Bogert, Texas A&M 238-5
4. Chris Carper, Robert Morris 232-6
5. MATTI MORTIMORE, New Orleans 227-11
