Jan. 21, 2009

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. - For the first time in his career, Navy senior thrower Chris Bordino (Gastonia, N.C.) has been recognized by the Patriot League as its men's field performer of the week, the league office announced on Wednesday.

Bordino becomes the third Midshipmen to garner league athlete of the week kudos this season, joining team captain Andrew Grant (Athens, Ga.) and fellow weight thrower, junior Mark Van Orden (Morris Plains, N.J.).

"The throws have really been carrying us thus far this season and Chris has been a huge part of that," said Navy head coach Stephen Cooksey. "He sets the example for our underclassmen with his intensity in practice and continues to improve his performance and hone his throwing technique. As the season progresses, we anticipate some longer throws in the weight throw against some tough competition."

For the second time in as many weeks, Bordino, the reigning Patriot League weight throw champion, achieved a personal record in his signature event. The veteran delivered a career-best 61' (18.59m) toss, surpassing his previous best effort of 60'1/2" (18.30m), established just two weekends ago in Annapolis.

Navy returns to action this Saturday, January 24 when it hosts the inaugural Wesley A. Brown Invitational.

Bordino and his Midshipmen teammates can expect some spirited competition as the invite field brings perennial track power Tennessee, preseason No. 21 Georgetown, Maryland, Princeton and LaSalle to the state-of-the-art, $52 million field house.

The field events are set to begin with the weight throw at 11:00 a.m., while the track events will get underway at noon.

Patriot League Men's Track Weekly Award Winners (1.21.09)
Track Athlete:	Andrew Yehl, Bucknell
Field Athlete:	Chris Bordino, Navy
Rookie:		Trent Kraychir, Army