Three Northwest Ohio throwers, Emma Hoffman (Ottawa-Glandorf), Karma Williams (Fostoria), and Trista Fintel (Patrick Henry) are bringing their talents to Bowling Green State University’s track and field team.

Last spring at the Western Buckeye League championships, Hoffman won the discus (133-3) and finished second in the shot put (37-½). Hoffman arrives with a top distance of 148 feet, nine inches in the discus, 39-1½ in the shot put, and 36-5 in the weight throw.

“Emma Hoffman is a fantastic addition to the BGSU throws group where she will focus on the discus and hammer and weight throws throughout her college career,” BGSU assistant coach (throws) Marcus Myers said.

“Her mindset is exactly what we are looking for to have in our program. Her overall commitment and obsession with the throwing events are what have led her to being one of the best discus throwers in the sate this year,” Myers continued.

“I believe that her addition to our throws program will elevate our culture and our competitiveness at the MAC and NCAA level. We are excited to see what she does in a BGSU uniform next year.”

As a sophomore, Hoffman placed third in the discus at the 2022 Division II state track meet.

Hoffman grew up with her older sister, Grace (class of 2020), who also excelled in the throws at O-G and just finished her fourth year at the University of Findlay, throwing three of those years.

“Growing up, I was really close to my sister, because I only had one sister. So, she really served as an inspiration in track and academics, and pretty much in everything for me. I wanted to grow up and have kind of the same goals and kind of chase after her in track and academics.

“We were four years apart, so I would always tag along in practices. That just kind of became more of a family thing, where we always got to spend time together. That’s something that I’ve always enjoyed.”

When Hoffman chose to continue her athletic and academic career at Bowling Green, there were several things she considered.

“I was looking at all my options. I really liked their track program, their coach, what their program stood for and the really good team atmosphere they had created,” Hoffman said.

“Once I viewed their nursing program, I knew that was the place where I wanted to be. They have a really good nursing program. So for having all of those things line up, it was something I was really looking forward to.

“My sister is at Findlay. So, it’s a half-hour (drive) for her and it’s a half-hour from home. So, being close to family is really something that I also took into consideration when looking into colleges.”

Hoffman had set several goals for her senior campaign at O-G.

“Something I’ve really focused on this year was not only my throws, but just being a really good teammate, always encouraging my teammates and being a really good mentor for them,” Hoffman said.

“I know in the past that I had my sister and others as good mentors. I really wanted to focus on being a senior this year, and obviously making it back down to state.

“Last year taught me, more than anything, that you want to make sure you’re a good person. Hopefully, I’ll have the next four years at Bowling Green (for track), but after that, I want to be remembered for the person that I am.”

Added O-G throws coach Nicole Morman, “She’s definitely a unique and special kid. She pulled me aside at the beginning of the year and talked about what her goals were for this year.

“She didn’t necessarily mention certain marks or making it to state, until after she already talked about how she wants to be a good team leader and a good teammate to the other kids on the team.”

Hoffman has good company

Williams arrives at BGSU with a top discus distance of 131-2 and top shot put of 37-11.

“Karma Williams is truly a diamond in the rough type of kid. She is extremely athletic and a multi-sport individual,” Myers said. “Her ability to accelerate and create speed across the ring is something that you either have or you don’t.

“She will add to our depth in the discus for us, but I believe she will find a lot of success in the hammer throw too. I’m excited to work with another great athlete that has the mindset of a champion.”

Originally from Patrick Henry High School in Deshler and now transferring from the University of Findlay is Trista Fintel, who had top throws of 156-4 in the discus, 52-7 in the shot put, 66-7 in the weight throw, and 195-2 in the hammer throw.

“Trista Fintel comes to us as a grad student after a phenomenal career at the University of Findlay. She is a seven-time First Team All-American including an indoor national title in the shot put in 2023, as well as an indoor national runner-up in the weight throw at the 2024 Division II Indoor National Championships,” Myers said.

“Trista will add to the long list of high-level throwers that our program has seen throughout the years. She will be an immediate impact at the MAC and NCAA level.

“We are excited for Trista to add to our culture and be a model to our underclassmen of what commitment to excellence can result in. Trista does not like to lose, and I am looking forward to being a part of what she will accomplish.”

Ohioan Sierra Brinson arrives from New Lebanon Dixie with a discus throw of 152-5, top shot put throw of 45-5½, top hammer throw of 106 feet, and top weight throw of 36-2½.

“Sierra Brinson comes in with a wide range of abilities in all the throws events posting top marks in all divisions in the shot put and discus during her senior campaign,” said Myers

“Don’t let her quiet demeanor fool you. She is a fierce competitor when the tape comes out. She is a dedicated individual to what she does, and I think she has only scratched the surface of what she can do as a thrower. I believe that she will have a big role in continuing throws excellence here at BGSU.”

Sierra Podolan arrives from Medina Highland with a top throw of 146-1 in the discus and 42-2¾ in the shot put.

“Sierra Podolan will cover a range of throws for us during her time as a Falcon. With a big frame, love for the weight room, and an edgy competitive mindset, her potential is unmeasured,” Myers said.

“I’m excited to see how she takes to the weight and hammer throw with consistent training. Sierra and I share similar values, and both see that there is a lot more that she has to offer as an athlete. I believe that she will be an athlete that sees many MAC finals in a multitude of events throughout her career.”

( — from a file story by Mark Alstaetter of the Lima News, Sentinel-Tribune Sports Editor J. Patrick Eaken, and BGSU Athletics)