What Might Have Been: Boys Javelin
AA
In a loaded AA boys javelin on a windy day last year, Wyomissing's Evan Niedrowski came out victorious capturing the state title in a close for a terrific conclusion to what was a big sophomore season. Now a junior, Niedrowski likely had even bigger throws in store. He tossed a best of 201-11, one of the best tenth grade throws in state history. Surely, Niedrowski would have been chasing even more 200+ throws and a repeat state crown in 2020.
He would have got some good competition from a pair of talented returners. Matt Saxe of Northwest Area also topped the 200-foot mark last spring, throwing 200-9 for the District 2 crown. He placed fourth at states last season. Sharon's Noah Weese had a huge day at states last year, tossing his career best of 187-5 to take second, less than four feet off Niedrowski's winning throw. It would have been a great battle with a state title on the line.
Central Columbia's Cole Heintzelman was 14th at states last year, but heaved a best of 180-5. He would have also been a contender in this talented javelin field.
AAA
A good one was set to go in the AAA javelin with a wealth of strong returners. Five of the eight medalists would have been back this season and it would have been a good battle for the state title.
Nazareth's Collin Burkhart leads the charge of returners. He was second place last season, throwing 199-6 for state silver. A week earlier, he threw 203-8 to win the District 11 title and was hitting his stride in a big way.
He would have been challenged by Tunkhannock's Matthew Prebola, who proved to be a star in just his freshman season last year. Prebola threw 199-1 at the state meet, his personal best, for third place just five inches behind Burkhart. Into his sophomore season, it would have been interesting to see what Prebola could bring.
Coatesville's Ricky Ortega (fourth), Hazleton's Scott Campbell (sixth), and Pocono Mountain East's Andrew Altemose (seventh) are the other returning medalists in AAA. Ortega threw 198-1 at the state meet, while Altemose threw 198-7 to take second to Burkhart at the District 11 Championships. Campbell threw his season best of 191-10 at states. Whitehall's Lucas Souders (195-2) and Fleetwood's Kevin Bartosh (194-11) also have PRs over 190 feet.
A lot of boys would have been pushing to join Burkhart in the 200-foot club. This would have been a can't-miss state meet event with no shortage of national caliber talent.