MARIETTA, OHIO  - As far as Bryan Kolacz is concerned, a hearty helping of pancakes and French toast is the breakfast of champions and the New Moon, the second installment of the Twilight Series belongs on top of the New York Times best selling list.

After digesting his morning meal and its accompanying carbs for energy and later finding solace in a few pages of the popular series, the sophomore from Brentwood, N.H. picked up his hammer and threw it a Division III season best of 201'-8.00" to win the national title in the event at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Marietta, Ohio on Thursday afternoon. 

"Bryan came in as the dominant thrower, but you still have to do it when you're out here," said KSC Coach Peter Thomas.

The championship wasn't void of any drama.  The sophomore provided a few anxious moments when he fouled on his first attempt, conjuring up memories of his trip to the indoor nationals when he failed to reach the finals in the weight throw after fouling in all his attempts.

This time around Kolacz said he wasn't disappointed.  "I knew it was a small error because I held onto it too long," he said.  "It wasn't anything technique-wise."

After collecting himself with a second tossed that qualified him for finals, a confident Kolacz stepped into the circle to deliver his third throw.  "I said to myself, this is going to be the throw," Kolacz said.  "I just knew it.  I felt so peaceful and my body was ready."

Anxiously watching his technique from the sidelines, Darcy Wilson, the Owls' throwing coach, knew Kolacz was about to unleash a winning throw.  "About turn three you can tell he's about ready to catch it," said Wilson.  "He just caught the finish and that hammer just flew."

"I wasn't necessarily trying to break a stadium record," Kolacz said.  "I launched it.  It didn't feel like it was going far, but I was so happy to pull a throw out there that far.  I've been preparing for this moment for or a long time and to peak like this today is exciting."

"This is a real landmark for him, he's been looking to break 200-feet" she said.  "To do it at nationals is huge."

Leading the field by a substantial margin, Kolacz refused to let up in the finals.  "I didn't think anyone would catch me, but I was still trying my best to match or improve my throw," said Kolacz.

There wasn't a hammer or nail big enough to keep Kolacz from jumping up in the air after the competition had ended.  "I don't think it's hit me yet," he said.  "Until I get to the podium have my coach hand me the award maybe it will sink in." 

The third time proved to be a charm for Kolacz.  In his third trip to the NCAA Championships and on his third throw of the day, he was finally a national champion. 

"I have to remind myself how hard I worked to get to this moment," said Kolacz, who never picked up the event until he arrived at Keene State as a freshman.  "This was my day and I knew I was ready."

Kolacz joins a selected group of 10 national champions produced at Keene State.  He is the first KSC men's athlete to earn the honor in a field event since Paul Trocki won the decathlon in 1979.

The news from javelin completion wasn't as good for two other Owl athletes.  Both Dan Colina, a junior from Dover, N.H., and Samantha Hirsh, a senior from Holliston, Mass., were unable to reach the finals.

"Sam just had a tough day and Dan was unable to throw leading up to the meet because of his sore shoulder," said Thomas. "He's determined to come back next season. 

The only Owl to qualify in a track event, Peter Najem, a senior from Derry, N.H., will run in his preliminary 800-meter race on Friday.

VIDEO OF KOLACZ INTERVIEW AFTER THE MEET:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy3FNe3v2bQ&feature=channel_page