Most collegiate freshmen, regardless of athletic talent or if they are purely academic creatures, struggle to transition to the rigorous schedule and competition demanded by the university realm. Their status transfers from a large fish in a small pond to suddenly competing against the largest fish from every small pond in one giant ocean. Javelin thrower Evelyn "Evie" Bliss successfully dived into the water and swam with the sharks in a campaign that will forever be immortalized in Bison lore.
The javelin throw’s inclusion in the Olympics dates back to 708 BC, but its importance reaches far before any official historical record. The javelin was first used not for sport but for hunting, survival, and warfare. While initially used by ancient people, the word javelin hails from Middle English, and like many English words, it originates from Old French – javelot which means spear. The ancient Greeks seized upon the weapon and their javelineers became a core concept of their armies. The Roman Empire decisively defeated Hannibal at Zama (202 BC) via javelin throwers. The missile fell out of favor as firearms were introduced but the Olympics and track & field have kept the flame burning. Ancient warriors are reborn every time a javelin is launched. The warrior spirit of grit and grime lives on.
Bliss hails from the small town of Rimersburg in the hardscrabble area of western Pennsylvania. Generations were raised there toughened by frontier living and working in the coal mines and steel mills ---pure grittiness courses in their veins. Residents are born with molten steel as blood and iron in their bones. They might be outplayed but never outfought. The mentality dates back to when frontiersmen carved out a country amidst tall pines and ambush attacks. Immigrant waves seeking a better life crowded the mills and mines, reinforcing the region's tenacious spirit. Throws coach Ryan Protzman comes from the same athletic district, and enjoys harvesting their products. Bliss fit the profile of his typical athlete.
"Being from the same district, I feel like many athletes are undertrained but they are multi-sport athletes. I learned about Evie during her junior year. I watched her in districts. I knew she had the tools. I study recruits on how they interact with their coaches, their adjustments during a meet, and their behavior after throws. She visited during her junior year and was also here for the PIAA Swim Championships. Her family likes country living and they are hard working. I still remember the phone call when she committed. She mentioned telling the UNC coach that he would have to watch her throw in Bucknell colors. I can teach technique but competitiveness is a skill. She was a no doubt five star recruit."
Bucknell track & field has plundered western Pennsylvania talent for years and many accomplished athletes have climbed over the imposing Allegheny Mountains to reside and dominate in Lewisburg. The connection born and bred from the region has bled into close-knit friendships. Bliss’s fellow sophomore Madelyn “Maddie” Hudak is her shield maiden -- a firecracker of energy and spirit. No one dares to utter disparaging remarks about Bliss in her presence. She is a fellow javelin thrower from the quaint hamlet of Portage. Incidentally, Head Coach Kevin Donner’s wife was born there. Despite their tight friendship now, it didn’t always start that way as both throwers found themselves unsure for different reasons.
“Coming into my first year at Bucknell knowing I'd be training alongside the No. 2 javelin thrower in the country was intimidating. Growing up in the same region of Pennsylvania as Evie, I knew how incredible she was. Despite my nerves, we clicked instantly when we met, and I quickly realized how lucky I was to join her. Ironically, Evie later admitted she was intimidated by me, something we still laugh about today.”
Bliss entered Bucknell having won gold at the U20 Nationals competition and silver at the Pan American Games. Not high-headed from her medals, Bliss knew her previous successes would not throw for her.
"I was nervous coming into my first collegiate season. I felt like I had much to live up to and stay at the same pace. To counter this feeling, Coach Protzman and I set several goals I wanted to achieve. 1. To win Patriot Leagues. 2. Qualify for the NCAA National Championships. 3. Qualify for the Olympic Trials. 4. To win the U20 Nationals again."
That nervousness lingered as Bliss, like most javelin throwers, does not compete in indoor track & field throwing events. Unlike athletes who competed immediately, Bliss could not calm her inner worries with competition.
"It is hard as a javelin thrower. Indoor season mentally takes a lot out of you. All your teammates compete and train for meets while you are left with monotonous steady training. I stayed mentally focused by talking to the sports psychologist in the fall and winter."
Bliss started her collegiate experience at the Hurricane Invitational as part of the Bison’s select travel party – a testament to her status within the program. Surrounded by accomplished and prized upperclassmen and dealing with uncooperative weather, she, more than, held her own, finishing second with her throw of 173-9. The mark remains her highest collegiate event toss.
"It was cool to travel and fly with the team. It was rainy and miserable for most of the meet. I was more nervous for that meet than I had ever been. I was also itching to throw. I prepared well and had a great competition. After my first throw, I had this sense of relief. I knew what I was doing. I was here on the collegiate stage and I belonged."
Bliss quickly proved she belonged pulling off a winning streak of four meets starting with the historic and prestigious Colonial Relays hosted by William & Mary. Her 156-7 mark represented a slight downturn in distance but the victory boosted her confidence. Sophomore teammate Brylee Tereska grabbed second place re-cementing Javenell University's status.
Back home next weekend at the massive Bison Outdoor Classic, Bliss won her second straight meet. The 170-10 throw resembled her usual marks, alerting the Patriot League that the Bison had another stud javelin thrower in the herd.
At the following weekend’s smaller Bucknell Team Challenge, Bliss’s winning number dropped to 154-0 but the victory remained satisfying even as she and Protzman yearned for higher numbers and more consistency. Tereska again finished second giving additional press to the Bison’s dynamic duo.
"It was not about winning every meet. I would set little personal goals to achieve. I struggled at the Colonial Relays but those little goals helped me through the process. I was not focused as much on my place and position."
The 2024 Patriot League Outdoor Championships arrived in early May with Bucknell hosting. It was familiar ground for Bliss – an ideal advantage with Army and Navy both packing experienced upperclassmen. Bliss remained undaunted and her first throw of 171-11 held up as the winning toss by nearly ten feet. Another Bliss attempt appeared to outdistance the winning toss but a foul ruling was issued. The entire Bison Throws group erupted in jubilant celebration as the final foe hurled their last bolt in vain.
Maria Trivelpiece, the former Patriot League reporter, now with the American Athletic Conference, was there to capture the moment and interview the flushed freshman afterward.
“Having the opportunity to cover Evelyn was incredible. Watching her compete at such a high level at such a young age was unmatched. She is one of the most humble, hard-working, caring individuals I’ve had the opportunity to work with.”
Bliss followed the Patriot League Championships with an appearance in the equally prestigious ECAC Championships. While her gold streak was snapped, winning silver was a nice consolation prize while the real laurel awaited the freshman: the NCAA East Preliminaries.
The Bison women's track & field team sent a healthy contingent of four athletes to the NCAA East Preliminaries. Along with Tereska and senior high jumper Karen Hull, Bliss was joined by fellow freshman thrower Justley Sharp. Sharp enjoyed a banner year competing in the discus and shot put. Sharp quickly rocketed up the Bison’s top ten lists with impressive performances during the indoor and outdoor campaigns, including setting the school record in the outdoor shot put. She credits Evie with helping to keep her calm during the hectic atmosphere. Bliss and Sharp are twin stars in the Bison constellation.
Bliss and Sharp both contributed to each other's success. The Bison Throws group does not deal with basic jealousy and other tired tropes. They are a tried-and-true battle-tested group. When one member of the pack eats, the whole pack eats. Sharp explains the philosophy:
"It's amazing to have Evie as a teammate because she holds herself accountable but expects the same accountability from her teammates. Because of this mentality, Evie contributes to a great team culture. Our team feels a sense of pride in all of Evie's success. This pride pushes the whole throws squad to contribute to the success. It's hard to stand out in our group because there are a lot of big and bright personalities, Evie contributes to this brightness by enjoying every moment of her experience as a college athlete at Bucknell."
Bliss certainly enjoyed her NCAA East Preliminaries experience by finishing fifth and earning qualification to the NCAA National Championships in Eugene, Oregon. It was another goal checked off the list. The qualifying 170-10 mark came on her second throw and held up against some excellent regional competition. Three Power Five throwers finished right behind Bucknell's rookie.
While Sharp's NCAA results did not equal Bliss's heights finishing 42nd in the discus and 38th in the shot put, she gained valuable experience for her three next seasons. Bison fans should expect her return to the NCAA East Preliminaries. Sharp credits Bliss for keeping her calm and collected against the mounting pressure.
"My NCAA experience with Evie was wonderful. Evie was such a supportive friend and teammate throughout our NCAA regional journey. Although I have experienced bigger meets before the regional meet was a different beast. Evie was a great person to be with because she was a calm and confident presence, but also accepted her nerves as a part of the process and not a weakness. I remained confident in this experience because I learned from Evie's demeanor and celebrated Evie's success."
Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon symbolizes Jerusalem for track & field devotees. A massive colosseum towering above Oregon's rainy terrain represents the final step for collegiate track & field athletes. It became Bliss's base for her next three competitions. The first event was the NCAA National Championships. All-America status awaited the top 16 finishers.
"Hayward Field is incredible. It takes your breath away every time. It is a beautiful complex with high-level athletes. Getting there and realizing I made it as a freshman took a moment to comprehend."
Bliss entered the competition as the 15th seed, right on the edge of All-America selection. She was the fifth Bucknell women's track & field athlete who reached the National Championships with the javelin throw accounting for 60% of the attendees. She felt the weight of previous javelin throwers on her shoulders. Bucknell legends Maura Fiamoncini (2018, 2019 & 2021) and Laura Rycek (2011) previously won All-American honors. Fiamoncini finished 13th (2018), 8th (2019), and 3rd (2021) and Rycek placed 23rd, earning an All-American honorable mention. The reputation of Javenell University was at stake.
The freshman grew stronger and stronger as the competition continued. Her first throw traveled a respectable 153-11. The next round journeyed 168-6, moving her into All-America consideration at 15th. She put the debate to bed as her final throw flew 173-1, placing her 11th. Two other athletes moved ahead after her last attempt but she had clinched Second Team All-American honors.
"For the National Championships, I did not feel I was where I needed to be in my training. I did not perform poorly; I earned Second Team All-American. It sounds bad (laughs) when I phrase it that way but a goal of mine was finishing Second Team All-American. It encouraged me to return stronger for the upcoming competitions."
Fiamoncini graduated as one of Bucknell's most accomplished athletes. As noted, she unlocked three All-American slots and would have likely gone four-for-four had COVID not appeared in 2020. She won third place in 2021 throwing with a torn labrum. Fiamoncini set the standard for a Bison javelin thrower and still holds the all-time Bucknell record at 183-3. Like all good alumni, she is rightly proud of seeing the flame kept lit.
"I think it’s great to see another successful javelin thrower performing well and receiving recognition at various levels of competition. I hope Evie’s success continues to draw talented throwers to Bucknell’s program."
The U20 National Championships represented a different perspective for Bliss. She entered the competition not as the underdog or unknown dark horse but as the defending champion. The hunted had become the hunter. All title winners can relate to the difficult psychological shift of knowing the hounds are biting and nipping at your heels. Bliss had to switch her thinking in under a week. At stake was a bid to the U20 World Championships in Peru.
"I was the reigning champion and knew many younger girls were gunning for me. It was kind of cool to be on the opposite side of what I was used to. I was seeing the younger generation of javelin throwers. I was a little nervous but I had a lot to prove."
It was an uncharacteristic off-day for Bliss. Of course, an off-day for her is a dream throw for most javelin launchers. Her first throw only flew 109-11 feet and the sharks began to circle. Her next three attempts resided in the 140s -- respectable but not close to ideal. She hit 160-10 in her fifth fling as momentum began to build. She uncorked a 168-1 throw in her final attempt seizing first place. The other throwers failed to move within nine feet of the Bison javelineer and Bliss celebrated her gold medal and U20 World bid. Winning on the last throw was a fitting bookend as Bliss won the 2023 U20 National Championships on her first toss.
"I did struggle this meet. I did not train as well physically as I wanted. I was freaking out going into the finals when I was stationed fourth. I took a step back and calmed my heart rate down. I returned to my early form and it worked, putting me at the one seed. I felt super-relieved knowing I clinched my bid to the U20 World Championships."
Bliss did not have long to treasure her golden acquisition as the U.S. Olympic Trials loomed. The competition finished her trilogy of competitions at Hayward Field. Against a crowded and deep field, Bliss needed to finish in the top 12 to earn qualification to the finals. Each participant was only allotted three attempts, necessitating a fast start and maximizing the pressure not to misuse a chance. Bliss started fast with her second throw of 175-1, ensuring eighth place and a finals spot.
"After being the oldest at the U20 Championships, I was among the youngest at the Olympic Trials. I was competing against some of my idols: Kara Winger, Molly Malone, etc. Walking out of that tunnel with them and seeing where I was as a little country girl from Western Pennsylvania on the biggest track & field stage."
The sun shined on Hayward Field and Bliss during the finals but adversity threatened to ruin her crowning experience. The opening round was designed to pare the 12 qualifiers into eight survivors. Bliss's first two throws of 173-11 and 171-5 were marvelous attempts but the other candidates put forth stronger resumes leaving her sitting in ninth place entering her final chance.
"I realized that I was not ready to be done throwing yet. I desperately wanted to make that top eight. I was praying hard "God, please let me make it to the top eight."
The very existence of clutch has been debated by analysts and scientists. Bliss advanced a credible argument for its existence when she uncorked a heave of 183-2. The Bucknell thrower watched the javelin sail across the blue clear sky, embed itself into the soft grass, and tentatively awaited the call. When the distance was announced, she leaped in exaltation and dashed for the stands where Coach Protzman waited donning a cheek-to-cheek grin.
"I remember running and planting but not recalling releasing or moving off the runway. I was watching the leaderboard knowing it was an excellent throw wondering 'What is it? 'What is it?' Seeing the mark pop up on the board made me ecstatic. I could only think about running over to Coach Protzman."
The mark placed her sixth, qualified her for the final round, set a PR, and moved her into second place in Bucknell history. It also topped Fiamoncini's seventh-place finish in 2021, for the best Bison result in the Olympic Trials. While Bliss did not top her distance in the final round, the thrower remained hugely satisfied with her day and she even signed her first autograph.
The sizable contingent of Bison supporters in the stands added a special Orange & Blue touch to the day. Nearly 20 Bucknell alums arrived early and serenaded the Hayward crowd with chants and cheers of 'ray Bucknell.
"Having the 20 alumni that attended both days and cheering me on was special. I could hear them the moment I was on the field. I did not know them personally but they still had 100% confidence in me. I even signed my first autograph! Knowing that several girls are looking up to me and wanting to emulate me means more than any medal I could ever win."
A Bucknell Track & Field alum, Eric Allgaier, inadvertently set the tone for the day by running into Bliss and Coach Protzman at the concourse. It was his first time at the Olympic Trials and he saw the two clad in Orange & Blue and released a hefty "RAY BUCKNELL!" His words offer the best explanation:
"Our small group of Bucknell T&F alums and friends were able to make a LOT of noise cheering for them. I also ran into Evie's parents in the spectator area, and we introduced ourselves (and of course are now Facebook friends!). They are wonderful people --you can see where Evie gets her kind demeanor. Evie was so gracious and kind, and came down to our section several times to meet her new BU fans, and seemed so pleased that alumni were providing such strong support for someone they didn't know (but do know now!)"
Another present alum, Robert Braile '77, the 1975 IC4A College Division Cross Country Champion and one of two Bucknell distance runners who were the first in school history to qualify for, and compete in, the NCAA Cross Country Championships, shared his perspective on watching Bliss.
"She fulfilled the dream of every Bucknell runner, thrower, jumper, and vaulter in the history of our program to not only reach the international level in our sport but to excel at that level. To have done so in only her first year at Bucknell was even more impressive. We could not be more proud."
A third alum, Jack Wickens, who leads the USA Track & Field Foundation’s athlete grant program and founder of AthleteBiz, was present in the stadium and shared these details reposted from his Fanhubtf.com blog.
"There’s a unique joy in watching an athlete with whom you have a personal connection. Every moment is charged with extra emotion because it’s not just about being a fan – it tips into being a shared emotional experience. You cheer a little louder (or maybe a LOT louder) and feel every loss a bit deeper. In the three-ring circus of a track & field meet you may be laser focused on things that most of the stadium barely notices. This happened in Eugene at the Olympic Trials as our group of Bucknell alumni and alumni adjacent spectators in Section 123 vigorously cheered for Evie Bliss in the women’s javelin. Just a 19-year-old frosh at Bucknell, Evie delivered a PR throw to finish sixth. She admitted to fangirl feelings while she competed next to Kara Winger!"
Buoyed by such fan support, Bliss prepared for the final battle of her Long Campaign; the U20 World Championships in Lima, Peru as part of Team USA. She was to throw where the conquistadors and the Inca dueled for precious objects. As the Book of Ecclesiastes proclaims there is nothing new under the sun, five hundred years later, opponents met again in the Andes for valuable medals.
The conditions were not ideal for Bliss. The long plane trip to South America left her feeling jet lagged. South America held wintery conditions and she received a slight bout of food poisoning. Adding salt to the open wound, there was a miscommunication about warmup throws, and Bliss went without the customary opportunity.
"We arrived in Lima at 4:30 a.m. on Monday. Our tent was between Australia and Jamaica and we met their athletes. International competition is different than American meets. We struggled to find information on warmup times. The food poisoning was bad enough that I was worried I couldn't compete. Due to miscommunication, several of us did not take warmup throws."
Showcasing that western Pennsylvian toughness, she battled through the opening round for a seventh-place finish ensuring a spot in the finals.
"I hurt my elbow on my first throw and pulled my UCL. My first throw went 41 meters. That panicked me. That panicked everyone at home. Coach Protzman probably died. I reset myself and performed drills. I obtained a good mark that placed me in the finals."
Bliss's initial toss of 162-6 established that her skill boarded the plane. The second chance was waved off but her third throw of 177-2 inserted her into the bronze medal slot. The fourth and fifth throws were disqualified and her final attempt went 170-8 feet. However, no other competitor emerged to overthrow her position and with Old Glory draped over her Keystone shoulders, she celebrated with her Team USA teammates.
"We were one of the last events. It was dark and misty and a struggle to stay warm. I did not feel confident in my form. I had a big throw in my third attempt and felt relief. I was hurting a lot in my knee and elbow - the season was catching up with me. I remember walking over to the USA throws coach Jill Camarena-Williams and she had the American flag under her arm. She told me, 'This is ours if you go and get it.' It did not click until my final throw that I was a bronze medalist on the world stage."
With the timeline of Bliss's accomplishments firmly recounted comes the question of how she pulled off one of the finest years in Bucknell athletics. It is not simply a matter of good luck or pure athletic talent. A firmly individualistic event like the javelin throw still requires foundational coaching and team support.
From September 2023 to August 2024, her training routine simultaneously changed and stayed similar. Protzman did an excellent job managing her throws while keeping her energy level tempered.
"She was mostly trained similarly to the other javelin throwers. We use the fall mostly to work on movement patterns and fix flaws. I treat the fall as another season. We started working on volume during the indoor season. We did not place much stress at the beginning of the outdoor season. After qualifying for East Preliminaries, it was about being comfortable competing. The next goal was winning the Patriot League. The goal for East Preliminaries was working on the five-step and full approaches. We knew she could qualify for the NCAA Championships but she needed to master the full approach to make noise there. After the U20 National Championships, we dialed back the throwing and increased the running. That was the ticket."
Protzman can talk hourly about the athlete he dubbed the Rimersburg Rocket's skills but has enough material to discuss her personality forever.
"The way she carries herself in training, the sport, and the people around her are next level. I learned that early. When freshmen arrive on campus, I watch how they adapt. Evie was curious about everything. She wants to know about you and take you to her hometown. I know that in her two years, I haven't heard a bad word about her from teammates. She is the most humble athlete that I have ever coached. She understands the process. She is always willing to help a teammate and coach -- an all-around phenomenal person."
Bliss equally raves about Protzman. Many coach and player duos have become iconic: Bucknell's Christy Mathewson and John McGraw, Brett Favre and Mike Holmgren, Billy Martin and Casey Stengel. They push and drive each other to scale higher and higher mountains. None of this past year would have been possible without their close relationship.
"We are both from District IX in Pennsylvania. He is completely willing to learn with me and always reviewing film. He is 100% there and willing to work with you. Getting to have these experiences with him is special. He is constantly pushing me to get better. He sees me as a human being. Many coaches only see you as an athlete. He makes sure that I am mentally and physically prepared."
Tereska spent her freshman year as the program's primary javelin headliner. Tereska threw like a Trojan en route to a bronze in the 2023 Patriot League Championships, silver in the 2023 ECAC Championships, and appeared in the NCAA East Preliminaries. It was an excellent freshman campaign and she capped it off by finishing fourth in the 2023 U20 National Championships where she met Bliss for the first time.
Bliss's impressive accomplishments have not adversely impacted their relationship -- she and Tereska are the best teammates. They cheer and push each other to greater and greater heights. Their relationship is not a contentious simmering as seen in the NFL but resembles the partnership of David & Jonathan. Tereska describes it:
"We are always there to motivate each other to be the best javelin throwers we can be. During meets, when one of us throws far, it gives the other determination to push to a higher mark. We feed off each other’s energy and hold each other accountable during both practices and meets."
Bliss's and Tereska's friendship symbolizes the tightness embodied by the Bison Throws group. The program sparkles with personalities but the throws group might be the most rambunctious coalition. Taking their lead from Coach Protzman, the energy flows, and Bliss, despite her collected fascia while throwing, takes the initiative to keep things loose. She is no afoot superstar –only concerned with her stats. Hudak explains:
“My favorite version of Evie is at practice. She always brings her speaker, blasting rock ’n’ roll, shares stories from her day, and checks in with everyone—athletically, academically, and mentally.”
Ironically, Bliss’s country-style humbleness stands out the most in a me-first society where people have become resigned to superstars only caring about themselves and players celebrate tackles when trailing by 30 points. She does not take attempts off or lord over her teammates. As of publication, Bliss is not throwing after her hectic summer schedule but is still out at practice; cheering, encouraging her teammates, and offering tips. Hudak provides additional information:
“What I appreciate most is her patience. She offers advice, tips, and constructive criticism gracefully, making her the best teammate. People often overlook just how humble and supportive she truly is. Despite her incredible accomplishments, she genuinely cares about our goals and progress.”
Bliss reinforces the tightness found in the throws group. Athletic teams bond on a level rarely seen outside the military.
"We all come from different places but we are a family. I see them as siblings. We motivate, push, and support each other. I have made friends that will last a lifetime here. They see more potential than I sometimes do in myself. Maddy Hudak, that girl, is 110% for me. She is always hyping me up when I do not feel it. I could not have done it without them."
Bliss has impacted teammates outside of the throws group. Track & Field is a mighty empire of a roster with each position group representing a vassaldom. Countries within countries is an apt description. Bliss's influence has spread far outside her borders. Jumper and freshman roommate Megan Baggetta explains:
"Evie has become a role model on our team. Even though she is only a sophomore this year, I think there are a ton of people who look up to her. Yes, Evie is our most talented athlete, but I do not think that is the only reason she is a good role model. I think it is her kindness and positivity towards other athletes that make her so easy to look up to. She was always really good at motivating me and always believed in me last year, and I am sure she makes other teammates feel the same way."
Bliss's Christian faith cannot be given enough credit for providing a bedrock to keep her humble and steady amidst changing times and zealous competition. It forms the core of her being. Anyone who watches her events will notice I COR 9:25 emblazoned upon her arm. It is not the typical Philippians 4:13 or John 3:16 verse picked by athletes; it holds special significance for the thrower.
The verse reads: "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." The verse pertains to athletics but Bliss's selection comes from a touching story.
"I have connected to that verse since my junior year of high school when I became sick two nights before my district swim meet. I previously used 1st Corinthians 9:24 but as I was rereading the chapter, the 9:25 verse had much more meaning. As a Christian athlete, I am not only competing for myself and my glory but to give God glory for the abilities and talents that He has given me. Two days later, I had not eaten a full meal in 72 hours and had to swim the 200-yard freestyle and the next day the 500-yard freestyle and was seeded first. I asked my coach to write I COR 9:25 on my back shoulder. I wanted people to see it and know why I compete. By the grace of God, I won both events and qualified for the PIAA State Championships. It is a testament to my athletic skills and my faith."
The verse has become a tradition as she continued the engraving during her senior season and into her collegiate career. Now it is familiar as her Bucknell Orange uniform. Her decision was difficult as she knew not everyone agreed with mixing religion and sports.
"I went back and forth on it because some people do not like outside influences in their sport. But I felt it was something I needed to do and it was something God laid on my heart. I put it on my bicep since if there are photos of me throwing I am constantly having my arm out so I knew people would see it. I did not realize how much of an impact it made. Many people come up to me and explain how they discovered the verse. It helps me testify how God has helped me and hopefully, helps others find Him."
The hardest part about success is handling its existence. Fortunately, Bliss has plenty of good voices, including her conscience, to guide her along the journey. Coach Protzman knows how to monitor his throwers and not burn them out in needless competitions. Bliss does not contain a pitfall ego --the ruin of many talented athletes. She can draw upon the advice of experienced alumni such as Fiamoncini.
"My best advice to Evie would be to use her experiences to her advantage as she progresses through her career. Evie has already competed at the national and world level, which is an opportunity many athletes never have so early in their careers. Those experiences allow you to enter future post-seasons with great confidence in yourself."
Protzman outlined her future goals and how he plans to turn a written list into reality. The goals are lofty and dynamic but can be conquered with a game plan and hard work.
"The first goal is always health. The last thing you want are setbacks in the fall season. She is slowly working her way back into things. The goal for 2025 is to make the finals in the NCAA National Championships. We are likely trimming down her meet schedule. The first meet: qualify for the NCAA Regionals. Once again, win the Patriot League Championships. Make First Team All-American. Compete in the US Championships to gain more high-level experience. If she can stay healthy, she will contend for national titles entering her junior year. The ultimate goal is the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles."
The future shines bright for Bliss. She has three more seasons to add to her trophy case and climb to number one in the Bucknell rankings. Lofty goals have been written down. Regardless of what occurs in the upcoming years, her freshman campaign will remain prominent in Bucknell's athletic history. She started in Miami, touched base in Lewisburg, headed to Oregon, and finished in Peru. Her checklist was completed with trips to two continents, collecting four medals, representing her country internationally, and winning All-American status. For most athletes that is a lifetime of accomplishments. For Evelyn Bliss, it was her freshman year.
The author wishes to extend a hearty thank you to everyone who provided photos and quotes for this special feature story. The Bucknell Track & Field family is truly a special herd!