PIAA District 7 "WPIAL" Championships
Who To Watch For: Ayden Owens (North Allegheny)
Why?: Owens is one of, if not the, most exciting athletes in the state of Pennsylvania. The senior and USC recruit has been amazing fans, coaches, and fellow athletes alike for his entire career. He enters the WPIAL Championships at PA#1 in the 300-meter hurdles (37.33), PA#2 in the 110-meter hurdles (14.02), and PA#4 in the long jump (23-07.25) in what has been another terrific season for the reigning New Balance Nationals Outdoor champion in the decathlon.
What to expect: The weather hasn't exactly cooperated with Owens this season and he's still rolled to some big performances, including a personal best in the 300-meter hurdles (he's a two-time PIAA champ in the intermediates). If the weather is good at WPIALs, look for Owens to drop some fast times in the hurdles and a big one in the long jump. He has two jumps over 23 feet and could be looking to pop one in the 24 foot range.
Others to watch for: Will Behm (AA - Pole Vault); Noah Beveridge (AAA - Distance); Shawn Broadway (AA - Hurdles); Jack Codispot (AAA - Pole Vault); Noah Drudy (AA - Javelin); Nate Everhart (AAA - Mid-Distance); Tristan Forsythe (AA - Distance); Zach Gehm (AAA - Throws); Daniel Jacobs (AAA - Javelin); Seth Ketler (AAA - Distance); James Krandel (AAA - Sprints); Sam Mastro (AAA - Throws); Emmanuel Mitchell (AAA - High Jump); Eudel Moreta (AAA - Sprints); Jono Pelusi (AAA - Pole Vault); Jacob Shedd (AAA - Jumps); Alex Trower (AAA - Sprints); Calvin Wetzel (AA - Hurdles/Sprints)
Who To Watch For: Hunter Robinson (Avonworth/Northgate)
Why?: Robinson is the state's most versatile sprinter. She's dropped some very quick times already this season of 11.98 in the 100 meters (#2 in AAA), 24.40 in the 200 meters (#1 in AAA), and 56.20 in the 400 meters (#1 in the 400 meters) all while operating in the sub-par western PA weather of this spring. She's the reigning AAA state champ in the 100 and 200 meters, and took second in the 400 last season. The Avonworth/Northgate senior and Tulane recruit is always exciting to watch.
What to expect: Robinson is not entered in the 100 meters, so she'll be chasing individual gold at WPIALs in the 200 and 400 and she'll be heavily favored in both races. She really turned on her sprinting at districts last year (her 400 meter PR of 54.49 came at this meet last year), so expect another big meet. Robinson is also apart Avonworth/Northgate's 4x100-meter relay, which is ranked third in PA and first in the WPIAL.
Others to watch for: Casey Burton (AAA - Sprints/Jumps); Brenna Cavanaugh (AA - Hurdles/Jumps); Molly DeBone (AAA - Pole Vault); Jayla Ellis (AAA - Jumps/Hurdles); Maura Huwalt (AA - Throws); Molly Mangan (AAA - Hurdles); Franzi Nace (AA - Jumps) Mackenna Orie (AAA - Throws); Gionna Quarzo (AA - Distance); Maddie Raymond (AA - Sprints); Jena Reinheimer (AAA - Throws); Hayden Robinson (AAA - Sprints); Maddie Salek (AAA - Mid-Distance); Clara Savchik (AAA -Distance); Hannah Schupansky (AAA - Distance); Savannah Shaw (AAA - Distance); Liz Simms (AAA - Mid-Distance); Brianna Spirnak (AAA - Javelin); Annie Wicker (AA - Distance)