Radlof Has Field Events Covered at KSC

KEENE, N.H., 3/6/08 - Frank Radlof has put the field in the Keene State track and field program. You name the event, and the sophomore from Milford, N.H., has probably given it a shot.

Although his primary events are the three jumps - the long jump, triple jump, and high jump - Radlof has also competed in the 200- and 400-meter races as well as the javelin; he has even tried his hand at the pentathlon this winter.

Radlof says his ability to multitask at a meet comes from his natural athleticism and strong mental focus. "At a meet I could simultaneously be doing the long jump and high jump and have to leave one and go to a race," Radlof said. "You have to stay focused on the event you're doing. You give each event 100 percent until you have nothing left."

Assistant track coach Dr. Jerry Jasinski, who has monitored Radlof's development the past two years, calls him a gifted athlete who possesses the same intangibles as Paul Trocki, the first national champion at the school. "Frank couples his strong work ethic and focus with speed, strength, and a tremendous jumping ability," Jasinski said. "He's one of the real outstanding athletes that we've had here."

Radlof's ability and versatility was never more apparent than at the recent Little East Alliance championship when he was a one-man wrecking crew. The sophomore scored in five events, including a victory in the triple jump, which gave Keene State its first indoor LEC Alliance championship since 2002.

The championship was decided in the triple jump, the final event of the meet. "When I warming up everyone came over and told me we were just a few points behind Southern Maine," said Radlof. "There was some extra pressure, but you can't force your ability. You just got to let it flow."

With his teammates cheering him on, Radlof went to the line and delivered a winning and personal record jump of 13.67-meters.

Radlof not only surprised himself, but also the rest of the competitors in the field. Competing in the event for the first time indoors, the sophomore's name was no where to be found on the premeet psyche sheets.

"Beating Southern Maine on its home track was very nice," he said.

A week later, Radlof put his name in the KSC record book with his fourth-place finish (3,375 points) in the pentathlon at the New England Division III championships.

For all his accomplishments, Radlof has yet to track down All-America honors. Still a few inches shy in several jumping events, his best shot will be as a member of the Owls' distance medley relay. Coming up just short at last week's All-Division New England championships after one of the KSC runners fell going around a corner, Radlof and the DMR team hope to hit the qualifying mark (10:00.50) at Saturday's ECAC Championship at Harvard University.

"Provided no one falls or gets hurt, we should easily make the qualifying mark," said Radlof. "We're going up against good competition."

This will be Radlof's last opportunity to earn indoor track All-America honors at Keene State. His Owl track career will end at the conclusion of the spring outdoor season when he transfers to UNH.

A math and physics major at KSC, Radlof wants to earn a degree in mechanical engineering. "I went to school for school and not for sports," he said. "Unfortunately, Keene State doesn't have the program."

"Hopefully, I can compete at UNH," Radlof said. "I'm still going to work hard. It's just different training facilities and different coaches."

Keene State coaches Peter Thomas and Jasinski realize they are losing a special athlete. "His best performances are ahead of him," said Jasinski. "His time at Keene State has and will continue to provide us with some outstanding moments that will be remembered for a long time."