PIAA District 10 Championships
Who To Watch For: Gianna Labbiento (Sharon)
Why?: Just a freshman, Labbiento hasn't wasted any time making a name for herself at the high school level. She's the to-ranked District 10-AA girl in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters, having run 5:06 and 10:59 this season (though she did run a 5:03 for a full mile this season). She's also the second-ranked D10-AA girl in the 800 meters.
What to expect: Last year, Sharon senior Jordan Williams won the PIAA Class AA state title in the 1,600 meters and Labbiento will begin her path to keep that state crown in house. She hasn't backed down from a challenge and we don;t expect her to let up into Districts Week.
Others to watch for: Kendra Benton (AA - Hurdles); Madeline Breneman (AA - Jumps); Grace Brown (AAA - Mid-Distance); Ryann Brundage (AAA - Javelin); Michaela Burkhauser (AA - Throws); Morgan Donatelli (AA - Sprints); Maddison Hayes (AA - Distance); Lillian Hill (AA - Javelin); Anna Kadlubek (AAA - Sprints); Michaela Rose (AA - Sprints); Abby Whitaker (AAA - Throws); Carlye Zahner (AA - High Jump)
Who To Watch For: Jonah Powell (Grove City Area)
Why?: Powell has been on the XC radar in PA for a while, but this season he's really showed his digs on the track. He took second in the 1,600 meters at the Butler Invitational in 4:20.07 and then ran 4:20.14 to take second for a full mile at the Baldwin Invitational. At the Mercer County Championships, he went 1:55.55 for the win. He's the top-ranked boy in the 1,600 and 800 heading into the meet.
What to expect: Powell will contest both the 1,600 and 800 at Slippery Rock, looking to earn wins in both as the top seed. He's gone toe-to-toe with western PA's best this season and looks primed for a strong postseason run.
Others to watch for: Daniel Buell (AAA - Throws); William Gruber (AA - Sprints); Brock Grundy (AA - Throws); Kyfeas Holmes (AAA - High Jump); Josh Lewis (AA - Distance); Caleb Mabins (McDowell); Anthony Popalardo (AA - Sprints); Nate Price (AAA - Distance); Connor Vass-Gal (AA - Throws); Molek Walker (AA - Sprints)