Both throw the javelin. Both are studying to be physical therapists. Both went to the same high school in Windsor, Ontario.

What are the odds Andrea Bulat and Scott Russell would be named Kansas University’s scholar-athletes of the year?

“It is kind of weird,” said Bulat, the first KU performer to win the javelin in the Big 12 Outdoor championships. “It’s definitely a coincidence.”

Bulat and Russell, also a Big 12 javelin champ as well as NCAA Indoor champ in the weight throw, learned of their awards at a recognition dinner on Tuesday night at the Kansas Union.

“To be honest,” Russell said, “I didn’t expect to win it. I was blown out of the water.”

The 6-foot-9, 270-pound Russell, a fifth-year senior, has made the Big 12 academic honor roll nine times while compiling a 3.46 grade point average in pre-physical therapy and athletic training. The other male finalists were Brandon Wier (football), Jeff Carey (basketball) and Casey Harbour (golf).

“Throwing the javelin has always come easy for me,” Russell said, “but I’ve really had to work hard in the classroom so this is huge. Having a degree with the University of Kansas on it can only help me.”

Russell wants to study physical therapy in medical school, but he plans to take the next two years off to train for the 2004 Olympics. While training, Russell hopes to work part time in a clinic.

“For sure I’ll apply at KU Med for PT school after that,” Russell said, “but there are a couple of places closer to home if KU Med doesn’t work out.”

Bulat is a fourth-year senior. She didn’t red-shirt in competition, but she will be back next year for a fifth year of school. She, too, was blown away by Tuesday night’s announcement.

“Oh, yeah,” she smiled. “Looking at the other candidates, gosh ”

The other female finalists were Rebecca McFall (diving), Hilla Rantala (soccer) and Megan Urquhart (softball).

Bulat, who has a cumulative 3.3 GPA, stressed she didn’t come to Kansas just because Russell was already here.

“I was talking to Iowa, Arkansas and Iowa State,” she said. “In fact, I almost went to Arkansas. I would have gone to school in Canada, but the caliber of athletes is much better here.”

Bulat and Russell both attended Brennan High in Windsor. They grew up about 20 blocks apart in the Detroit, Mich., suburb.

“We’ve known each other for nine years now,” Russell said. “We’ve had the same high school coaches, the same summer coaches and the same coaches at KU.”

Both Bulat and Russell will be competing in the Big 12 Outdoor on May 17-19 in Columbia, Mo.

Also recognized on Tuesday night were professors Paul Mason (business) and Joe O’Brien (education) for teaching excellence, and student-athlete Brooklyn Hann (track) for commitment to academic excellence.