Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • June 22, 2011 Midland Park Kaleb Zuidema, Midland Park High School’s star javelin thrower, has again earned gold at the state Meet of Champions. His winning throw was 213 feet, two inches – enough to seal victory. MPHS track star Mel Lewis earned a bronze medal at the event. “I wanted to repeat,” Zuidema said of his second straight state championship. “I tore my ACL at the beginning of the season and didn’t know if I would throw this year.” Zuidema, who was due to graduate late last week, is now planning to compete in the Pan Am Games in Oregon, an Olympic qualifying event for participants who are under 19 years of age. The top two athletes in each Pan Am event make the U.S. team and go to Florida for the World Championships, which will be held in August. This fall, Zuidema will be heading to the University Zuidema, Lewis win medals in state competition Left: Kaleb Zuidema. Above: Mel Lewis. of South Carolina, where he will continue to throw the javelin as he pursues a degree in business. Last year, at 17, Zuidema made history by becoming Midland Park High School’s first state champion in any sport. His 209 foot, five inch throw won him the title. Javelin throwers who reach the 200-foot mark are considered among the sport’s elite. During the North 1, Group 1 state track and field championships in 2010, Zuidema broke a meet record, throwing for 220 feet, 8 inches, to earn his second consecutive state sectional title. The throw was just shy of the 224 foot, one inch throw he had made to earn the state record at the 2010 BPSL Championships. Successful javelin throwers must possess flexibility and “explosiveness,” a combination of speed and excellent reflexes. Lewis earned a bronze medal at the state event, placing fourth in the 400 hurdles on that oppressively hot day. Lewis said she did not believe she had done well. “I was waiting. They announced eighth place first, and I didn’t hear my name,” Lewis said. “When they got to fourth place, they announced Midland Park High School and everyone started screaming.” Lewis explained that, at the states, bronze medals are awarded to competitors who finish third through eighth. Asked if she would be participating in the upcoming national competition, Lewis noted that she will have a conflict: The nationals will be held the same day as graduation.