Cranston West's Petranoff bound for Illinois State

Four-time Rhode Island girls javelin champion Leigh Petranoff has signed a national letter of intent to join the track team at Illinois State University, according to a university news release.

Petranoff, the daughter of former world champion Tom Petranoff, holds a state record throw of 144-7. Her state championship throw of 144-01 was the 19th-best in the nation among high school girls this season.

"Leigh is going to come in and be a huge boost, not only to our throws squad but our entire team," said Illinois State throws coach Jeff Chakouian. "She is going to be a contender in the [Missouri Valley Conference] championships right away.

"Her dad is one of the leading javelin experts in the country and he did a great job coaching her in high school. It is going to be fun coaching her since she has a great understanding of the event. Even though she is technically sound she is still very raw and has a lot to develop. I think once she comes to campus she is really going to benefit from the college setting, where we have a great strength and conditioning staff, athletes to train with, and a strong team to really help her excel."

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)