Mark Murro

Mark Murro

Mark Murro has the distinction of having set national records in the javelin at the high school, junior college, and NCAA levels.

At Essex Catholic High School in Newark, New Jersey, he broke the record previously held by Terry Bradshaw of Louisiana that was also a World High School Javelin record at 252 feet, 8 inches. (That's the Terry Bradshaw who went on to win Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers and who is now a TV football analyst).

After being recruited to come to Mesa by Ernie Bullard, he set a new NJCAA mark of 273 feet that still stands today. For this achievement, he was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 1988.

He made the 1968 United States Olympic Team and went to Mexico City where he finished ninth as an 18-year-old.

Moving to Arizona State, he established new NCAA and American records with a throw of 292 feet and was named an All-American.

As a junior, he broke his own record as one of four javelin throwers to toss 300 feet or more. Mark's record was just four feet under the world record and stood for 19 years. That was the high point of his career as injuries prevented him from advancing and reaching his full potential as a javelin thrower.

When you ask people about Mark Murro, they describe him as "an incredible athlete." He had great technique and a natural talent for his event. He was highly competitive which may explain the story ? true or not ? that he once got in a wrestling match with his roommate that lasted three days!