Ashlyn Giles put her name in the Pennsylvania state record books on Friday with a massive toss in the discus to break a long-standing state record.
Giles' throw went 169 feet, 2 inches for the win at the BCIAA Firing Championship Meet held at Governor Mifflin High School. The previous state record of 168-11 stood for 37 years, held by Colleen Rosensteel of Greensburg Central Catholic since 1984.
Giles, a Schuylkill Valley senior, is currently US No. 3 on the season, trailing a pair of Texas standouts, Amelia Flynt (US No. 1 173-7) and Emma Sralla (US No. 2 170-8).
Giles came into the meet with a personal best of 154-8, which she tossed to win the Throws U Spring Series meet a few weeks ago. Friday's mark is a big breakthrough for the University of Nebraska signee, who also shoots up in to the PA No. 1 spot, previously held down by Hempfield Area's Isabella Gera, who threw 161-1 earlier this spring. Those two won't meet at the state meet, as Giles is in AA and Gera is AAA.
This winter saw Giles emerge as the nation's top shot putter. She threw a US No. 1 of 49-7 for the winter season and capped off her season with a put of 49-0.75 to win the title at adidas Indoor Nationals in Virginia. She's kept up that shot put momentum outdoors, with a best of 52-11 at that same Throws U meet, which is US No. 1.
It will be a busy next few weeks for Giles, who will be the one to beat at both the District 3 Championships and the PIAA State Championships in AA. Friday, though, was an incredible start to her postseason.
| PLACE | ATHLETE | TEAM | RESULT | WIND | H# | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashlyn Giles | 12 | Schuylkill Valley | 169-02.00 | 1 | |||
| 2 | Annika Ermold | 11 | Governor Mifflin | 130-02.00 | 1 | |||
| 3 | Katelyn Bailey | 12 | Wilson (3) | 106-01.00 | 1 | |||
| 4 | Mackenzie Rhoads | 10 | Reading | 103-04.00 | 1 | |||
| 5 | Clara Hardick | 12 | Tulpehocken | 100-04.00 | 1 | |||