Chico State Athletics

?Bridget McClarrinon made the first step towards returning to the NCAA Track & Field Championships with her win in the javelin during Saturday’s Kim Duyst Invitational in Turlock.

The senior not only took top honors, but her heave of 139-feet-7 was good enough for a Provisional Qualifying bid for this year’s NCAA Championships.

McClarrinon’s successful season-opening effort has also earned the senior from Smartsville the latest Wildcat of the Week award.

McClarrinon’s toss in Turlock was just 10 inches shy of her career best in the javelin. With nearly the whole 2013 season – and several additional chances to better Saturday’s mark – ahead of her, McClarrinon has already put herself into the mix to compete in May at the NCAA Track & Field Championships in Pueblo, Colo.

At last year’s national competition, McClarrinon came up short of her All-America bid by finishing 15th in the javelin with a mark of 135-feet-02.

The Chico State women’s track & field team return to action this Saturday in Davis, competing in the UC Davis-hosted Aggie Open.