A large stick being thrown through the air is all throwing javelin is to some people. Senior thrower Bill Dillenbeck knows it is not just throwing a stick, it is a sport.

“Throwing javelin is not easy because it is hard to learn the form it takes to throw a javelin correctly,” Dillenbeck said.

This will be Dillenbeck’s fourth year throwing javelin.

Assisstant Principal Frank Perbeck threw javelin at Kansas State University and helps students learn to throw javelin.

“Athletes can develop arm and elbow problems if they throw with the wrong technique,” Perbeck said.

Dillenbeck said that throwing javelin is still fun.

“It’s addictive, there is nothing more fun than throwing a big spear,” he said.

Sophomore javelin thrower Jordan Malone also enjoys throwing javelin.

“It gives you a sense of power being able to throw a nine foot spear,” he said.

Perbeck said students need to take at least two years to learn how to throw a javelin before it can become really fun.

“Javelin is fun when a thrower can begin to throw straight and with some consistency,” he said. “Throwing javelin is not about throwing with your arms it is about using your hip and leg strength to pull your arm through so as not to injure your arm.”

Malone said throwing javelin is not all that hard.

“Throwing javelin is easy,” he said, “the only hard part of throwing javelin is the technique, and throwing javelin is really fun.”