DAYTON, Ohio (BVM) — Although currently ranked 29th in the NCAA for javelin throwing, University of Dayton track star Casey Bogues was not always keen on trying the event. Growing up in New Jersey, Bogues was originally a soccer player. After experiencing a concussion, Bogues decided to start track at her high school. Little did she know how impactful that decision would be years down the road. 

“It was raining so we played dodgeball and I was getting people out super easy,” Bogues said. “Even though I understood my arm strength, I wanted to compete in pole vault, but was told I had to try javelin first.” 

In her sophomore year at Middletown North High School, Bogues was given the opportunity to try pole vault for a day. To her realization and those of the coaches, it was apparent that the New Jersey native was not coordinated for the certain skills necessary for pole vault. While this led to Bogues focusing on the javelin, she also did sprints and long jump through the course of her high school track career. 

“I really started to understand my ability in the javelin as I started to peak,” Bogues said. “Once I started to compete at state meets, I realized that it was not just me throwing a pointy stick. I was not expected to make it out of sectionals, yet I went on to regionals.”

After Bogues competed at the higher level, she began to see a separate coach aside from her high school coach. This allowed her to get more training off the field and gain a second pair of advice on improving her skills.

As Bogues’ skills improved, she began to crush records at her high school. Before she knew it, she was holding the school records for indoor shuttle hurdle relay, three-man long job relay and the javelin.

“I personally do not like to know what the records are before,” the track star said. “I just try to go out and perform at my best ability.” 

Since Bogues was not only a school record holder, but also second-team all-state and North 2 Group 3 state sectional champion for javelin in 2018, she began to scout out what her college plans would be. She had the profile and skill to compete, but the proximity of home was a concern. 

“I had signed with Rider University, which is located in my home state,” Bogues said. “I was a week away from signing when I decided to change my decision to Dayton.” 

Coach Kevin Gilhuly is the assistant track and field coach at Dayton. Bogues had been contacted by him many times throughout the summer and into her senior year, but she insisted Dayton was too far from home. Gilhuly must have seen the great potential in Bogues, as he continued to be persistent and would not take no for an answer. 

“It was December and my high school coach finally told me I couldn’t just burn the bridge without trying,” the javelin thrower said. “I decided I had to go see the school to make sure I was making the right decision for college.”

It was a blessing Bogues made the trip out to Ohio. The minute she stepped on Dayton’s campus and learned about the team dynamic, she knew it was the school for her. Although the distance was not originally what she was seeking, the accomplishments she would achieve in the future would be worth the sacrifice. 

“Of course, my first season as a freshman did not go as planned,” Bogues said. “Covid canceled my first season with the Flyers, but I knew I had to keep my head up and I would get my time to shine.”

As the pandemic kept the uncertainty high, the track star had her fellow teammate to lean on. Bogues rooms with a Dayton hammer thrower on campus, which allowed both athletes to continue working on their skills despite not knowing when the end would be. 

“We kept pushing each other, even if neither of us knew if we were ever going to get to do what we came here for,” Bogues said. “It was hard, as I missed the javelin a lot, but it was important to maintain a positive mentality.”

Better days were ahead for Bogues, as this spring finally allowed for her first debut in outdoor track. 

“It was really surreal to be back,” the Dayton sophomore said. “My mentality is as strong as ever and I feel like I am in a great position to continue growing as a thrower.”

Not only has Bogues been growing stronger, but she has been performing beyond expectations. Recently, she was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week for the second consecutive week. 

Bogues also broke the Dayton school record for javelin during the Yellow Jacket Collegiate Open, with her mark of 49.20 meters. The previous record was by Lillian Cook, which was a mark of 48.99 meters.

“It was kind of crazy when I broke the record,” Bogues said. “Although I knew it happened and my coach was yelling, I could not believe I broke the record with a throw that felt so easy. The previous record holder was also at the meet, so it was super cool to share that experience with her.” 

With her recent success, Bogues is now ranked first in the javelin in the Great Lakes Region for USTFCCCA NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field. With the A-10 championships approaching, Bogues strives to fine tune her approach and increase her personal record before regionals. 

“As of now, I am going on a five–step approach,” Bogues said. “Seven is actually the full approach, so I am working towards that as well as throwing through the point. Consistency is key in the javelin.”

As well as improving her own approach, Bogues has future competition to keep an eye on. As Dayton travels to Indiana State on April 15, Bogues will go head-to-head against an athlete from Miami University of Ohio that can throw 50 meters. 

“As I know at this time she has an injury, I am hoping she will be able to perform so I can throw against her,” Bogues said. “There is no such thing as too much competition.” 

As the season progresses, Bogues hopes to keep breaking her PR and advance to the tournament. Her biggest dream that would come out of her college career is ending up being able to earn a spot at the Olympic Trials. 

“I like to keep climbing and make my goals tough,” Bogues said. “I want to be able to give back to the coaches who have helped me into the athlete I am today. My coach described me as a ‘diamond in the rough,’ and that truly motivates me to reach for the gold.”

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