By Suzy Alstrin and Gabriel Gutierrez (RU-2026)
A competitor and a coach at the Summer World University Games hail from Reinhardt University. David Friedberg (RU-2024 & 2025) earned an invitation to represent the United States in the men’s javelin throw. He will not be heading to Germany alone—Josh White, Reinhardt Assistant Track and Field Coach-Throws, was tapped to serve as the throws coach for Team USA.
Organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the games are one of the world’s largest multisport events of the year, with over 8,500 student-athletes in 18 sports from 150 countries. The 12-day competition is held every two years, taking place this summer from July 21st to the 27th, 2025. Its broadcast on FISU.tv and other platforms reaches over 300 million viewers worldwide.
Friedberg earned his spot on the national roster by consistently surpassing the qualifying standard of 72 meters, most recently with a 75.06-meter throw to place seventh at the U.S. Olympic Trials. He has won three NAIA National Championships and four AAC Conference titles, and holds the NAIA national record in the javelin with a mark of 76.08 meters.
In addition to coaching Friedberg overseas, White will recruit and oversee the full roster of U.S. throwers competing at the games. This appointment underscores his expertise in the field and marks a notable moment in the University’s continued success in collegiate athletics. Both men are excited to represent Reinhardt, the NAIA, and the United States on an international level.
