Tom Petranoff sends this open letter regarding the type of runway that will be used for javelin throwers at the upcoming New England High School Track Championships:

My name is Tom Petranoff. I am USATF javelin coach and National Throws coaches youth development director and 2 x former world record (holder) in the javelin throw. My daughter Leigh Petranoff and Danika Ham have been top in the USA the last two years and were looking forward to NE meet. I was told today by Charlie Butterfield that the javelin event was being thrown off grass next weekend at Fitchburg Mass. I was in Fitchburg stadium last year and I can tell you it was the worst grass surface I have ever seen and many, many athletes and parents were very disappointed. You could believe it. IT WAS VERY UNSAFE.Many of us vowing never to return to this grass field. This is like asking high jumpers or long jumpers to jump on grass surface. Or runners to run on grass practice football field instead of tartan. The girls have been on grass way too long and it is not fair for them to not be on the best surface. Fitchburg has a tartan javelin surface and the only conflict is the discus event. I am sure that there is enough time to get all throw events in if they are run well and spread out. I will not have any of my athletes throw on grass ever again when good artificial surface is available.It is not safe for them and is not giving athletes the best chance to have long throws. The difference from grass to tartan in distance is 8-10%. So many throws off grass that Leigh and Danika have done this year would mean top 3-5 in USA high schools. 145 becomes 155-165. National leader is 161ft and both could do it next weekend if they had good surface. The would be good for the meet and put NE throws on map. My daughter and Danika are ready to throw much farther if they have good solid surface. If not, then we will pass on meet and go somewhere else. I am sorry if I sound negative but we are tired of being an after thought. Nobody even considered tartan surface and it must be changed to give the athletes the best competition facilities available. Why have a javelin runway when you don't use it. I am sending copy of this email to all parents, high school coaches who have boys and girls entered in javelin at New England's. Maybe you can see where we are coming from and will help throwers make this a good event. My cell is 401-440-0878 if you want to discuss. I am also asking USATFNE to schedule the Junior Olympics javelin throw so that boys and girls in higher divisions be on tartan runway for javelin throw. This is the only fair way to go.

Thomas Petranoff
Throwing Zone President
NTCA Youth Director
401-440-0878
www.turbojav.com