ERIE, Pa. – Sophomore javelin hurler Mitchell Obenrader (Fryburg, PA/North Clarion) will look to defend his national title at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Canton, NY.

Obenrader became the first-ever NCAA Champion in the history of Penn State Behrend Athletics a season ago as freshman with a record-breaking toss of 219'10".

In his sophomore campaign, he has picked up right where he left off with six victories including a first place finish last weekend at the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships.

Obenrader enters NCAA competition coming off his top throw of the season last weekend. The heave of 211'4" places Obenrader third among all competitors.

If the sophomore can repeat as champion, he will not only bring home his second title, but will become the first-ever back-to-back national champion in Penn State Behrend history. Obenrader will throw Saturday at 11:30 a.m.