Earlier this week we previewed the Division III men and women. Now we're moving on cover the NCAA Division II, starting with the women. This preview was written by Kevin Becker. To learn more about Kevin, read this feature we wrote about him.

2010 Division II Women’s Weight Throw Preview

by Kevin Becker

The Division Two women’s weight may be the one competition that has a clear cut favorite. Two time national champion Tara Cooper is back for her junior season and will be looking to add a third title to her resume. However, there are a few other women out there who wouldn’t mind playing spoiler. As the season develops, this race could be a good one to watch. This is also a deep year with two women over 18 meters, then another eight wedged between 17 and 18 meters. Here is some info on the top contenders:

Tara Cooper, Junior, Ashland- Personal Best: 20.00m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 1st, 2008 NCAA Finish: 1st

Cooper returns having won the two previous national titles in this event. Her December opener of 19.10m shows she has no intention of backing down. Provided she is healthy, she will be very difficult to beat come March. She has the unusual opportunity to be a 4 time National Champion, so she’ll be working to keep her streak alive.

Amanda Madden, Senior, Northern State- Personal Best: 18.10m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 2nd, 2008 NCAA Finish: 7th

The only other returning two-time All American, Madden will be making her best attempt to dethrone Cooper. She came through with a lifetime PR at the 2009 meet to take 2nd. With a personal best almost two meters shy of Cooper’s, she has her work cut out for her to move into the top spot.

Rebecca Stier, Junior, Winona State- Personal Best: 17.95m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 4th

Stier came on strong at the end of last season, coming up with a lifetime PR at nationals to finish 4th. She has carried that progress over and had another PR this December. If she can continue to progress technically, her strength will certainly allow her to contend for a national title.

Kelly Ash, Sophomore, Ashland- Personal Best: 17.39m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 6th

A young thrower in a strong throws program, Ash will be one to watch throughout the season. If she continues to progress well she could be in the conversation for the top few spots in Division 2.

Bidemi Balogun, Sophomore, American International College- Personal Best: 17.29m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 7th

Balogun is the first ever All American for her college, and she did it as a freshman. If she can continue to progress as she did in her first year she could have a very successful career.

Jessica Sloss, Senior, ACbilene Christian- Personal Best: 17.02m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 9th

After just missing out on All America honors last year, Sloss will be looking to improve on her finish this year. There is plenty of competition around her, but the taste of finals without the award may be enough to push her up into scoring range this year.

Molly Poel, Sophomore, Grand Valley State- Personal Best: 17.36m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 11th

Entering the meet 8th last year, Poel had a disappointing finish missing the final. She is one of many with the potential to get back there this year and get into the top 8.

Krista Squiers, Senior, Northern Michigan- Personal Best: 17.37m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 12th

Squiers also missed the final last year after entering the meet ranked 7th. She is off to a strong start this year, throwing just under her PR in her December opener.

Emilie Mieseler, Senior, Missouri Southern- Personal Best: 17.34m, 2009 NCAA Finish: 13th

Mieseler will be looking to improve upon her 2009 Finish of 13th this year. As a senior, she may have added motivation to get over the hump and walk away with some hardware this year.

Casey Buskirk, Junior, Wayne State (Neb.)- Personal Best: 17.38m, 2009 NCAA Finish: Did not participate

Off to a strong start, Buskirk opened her season this December with a PR of 17.38m. She is currently ranked 2nd in Division 2 and if she continues to progress throughout the season she could be a contender for some points in March.

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