Athlete of the week: Nebraska Wesleyan’s Avery Decker

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Division III National Champion, and a new school record holder; That’s what Nebraska Wesleyan’s Avery Decker became this weekend, winning gold in Women’s Javelin throw.

Decker, the Senior delivered gold Thursday while competing in day one of the Championships in Ohio.

And, she did it in style. On Decker’s very first throw, she reached 48.70 meters. It’s a new school record, and the sixth longest throw in Division III history.

“My coach just told me I needed to get it started right from the first throw,” said Decker. “That’s what I tried to do, and it worked out.”

The Prairie Wolves Track and Field completed a historic season, and Coach Derek Frese credits Avery’s leadership, and work ethic for what this team was able to accomplish this season.

“Avery is a very rare athlete,” said Frese. “Her drive and her work ethic was very contagious to some of her teammates as well. Our program had a very very successful year. We qualified seven throwers for the national championship meet.”

When the senior began her throwing career, she didn’t imagine being a national champion from the start.

But, over time she realized it was possible.

“Since my first full year throwing I had hopes of being an All-American,” said Decker. “After my second full season of throwing, I had dreams of being a national champion.”

The championship performance caps a season that saw Nebraska Wesleyan establish itself as a power in Division III track and field.