EMPORIA, KAN. -- Mark Liebl, a senior from Menno, S.D., had never thrown the javelin before joining the South Dakota track and field program four years ago. Today (Saturday, May 26), he has come full circle by finishing second in the men's javelin throw at the NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships at Emporia, Kan.

Liebl tossed the javelin a state and school record of 221'01 to finish second behind Andrew Vogelsburg of Emporia State, who had a throw of 245'03. Liebl, who finished 13th in the discus at 154'02, earned his first-ever All-American honor with his performance in the javelin.

For the second time in the national meet, a USD student-athlete has placed second, which gives the Coyotes 16 team points, moving the Coyotes from 12th to second in the team standings. On Friday, Dan Tolsma of Vermillion was second in the hammer throw with a toss of 200'0.

"I think what Liebl and Dan Tolsma (second in the hammer throw) have done is show what South Dakota athletes are capable of doing," said South Dakota men's track and field coach Dave Gottsleben. Like Tolsma in the hammer on Friday, Mark had never thrown the javelin before coming to USD. Now, he is one of the top two in Division II in the event. He has remained dedicated to the sport and that effort has paid off in a big-time effort at the nationals," said Gottsleben.

USD will have several other performers during the evening session at nationals which begins at 5 p.m. The men's competitors will include USD's Sam Pribyl in the pole vault and Rico Hatter and Terry Liggins in the 110-meter hurdles. USD will also feature Kassy Laber in the 800-meter run; Stephanie Gebhart in the 400-meter run and the 4x100-meter relay and 4x400-meter relay in the women's competition.