Vol. 18, No. 28	April 22, 1999

Hammer-throw champ continues family tradition of achievement

When senior Brandy Connell throws the hammer, she breaks records, and the records she breaks are her own. She first broke the UD women's hammer throw record of 167 feet 2 inches earlier this spring.

Since then she has broken her own record twice, with her last throw measuring 175 feet 5 inches. There are more track and field meets ahead, including the Penn Relays where she is seeded 15th out of 47.

Throwing the hammer involves spinning three or four times in a seven foot circle and hurling an 8 pound 13 ounce shot put attached to three feet of wire and a handle.

Throwing the hammer is a family tradition. Connell's mother, Patricia, won the Delaware Senior Olympics in the same event and will compete nationally. With her mother as her inspiration, Connell was a shot put and discus thrower at St. Mark's High School. She and her mother have the same coach, Larry Pratt.

Connell's biggest fans are her five-year-old twins–a boy, Brandon, and a girl, Taylor–who attend all her meets and cheer her on. Taylor already is practicing with the shot put.

An exercise and sports science major, Connell began her college career in UD's Parallel Program, taking time off after the twins were born.

She currently is working at the YMCA on Kirkwood Highway and plans to pursue her master's degree after graduation.

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