Hempfield (7) has a reputation in Pennsylvania for its success in field events. Since 1980, Hempfield has won 16 outdoor state championships in the Shot Put, Discus, and Javelin.
JP Gera of Hempfield High School has been one of the state's most consistent throwers over the past two seasons. The 2022 Pennsylvania Indoor State Championship Shot Put finalist is looking for bigger and longer throws to cap off his senior season. Regarding Hempfield's team's success, JP credits Head Coach David Murray.
"Coach Murray is the most important factor in our school throwing culture because he is always producing some of the best throwers in the state of Pennsylvania," explained Gera.
This season, JP is determined to be one of the best in the state in the boy's Shot Put. Last indoor season, he finished ninth at the indoor PTFCA Championship. This indoor season - his goal is to bring home an indoor state medal, which would be a confidence booster heading into the outdoor season. During the offseason, Gera played football for Hempfield High School, lifted the entire football season, and incorporated plyometrics to prepare himself for the winter indoor season.
"I want to compete to win at every indoor meet. Every meet is a competition to get better," Added JP.
He started his 2022-2023 indoor campaign at the Hempfield Field Meet. He placed third in the Shot Put and second in the Weight Throw. After the meet was over, he caught up with us about his goals for the 2023 season.
"Heading into this season, my goals are the mid-50s in the shot put, weight throw high 50s, and overall more consistency at each meet".
Coach Murray is similarly excited for the indoor season and Gera's final high school campaign. He had nothing but positive things to say about Gera's work ethic, ability to compete, and willingness to help his teammates.
"JP has always been a team-oriented guy and has been helping some of the other throwers with technique. We have 28 throwers out for indoor this year, so I appreciate the help," Coach Murray explained. "Since JP qualified for states last year, our goal is for him to place this year. He has a lot of talent and has always been a very hard worker."
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Athlete Profile
Weight Throw PR - 51-2
Shot Put PR - 49-8.5
2022 PTFCA Indoor State Shot Put Finalist
2022 1st place Franklin & Marshall Invitational (Shot Put)
2022 2nd place Hempfield Invitational (Shot Put)
2022 6th place TSTCA Indoor Championships (Shot Put)
2022 2nd place Hempfield Indoor Meet #1 (Weight Throw)
2022 3rd place Hempfield Indoor Meet #1 (Shot Put)
If you could challenge any Pittsburgh Steeler in the Shot Put who would it be?
TJ Watt
What is your favorite pre-meet snack?
Nature Valley Granola Bar
Who is your favorite WPIAL athlete (past or present) to compete against?
Max Adams, former Hempfield thrower.
What strengths do you believe you have that make you a great athlete?
My ability to learn and not take things at face value.
Where are you attending college next fall?
Walsh University
What is special to you?
Being able to compete at a high level in track and field is such a great accomplishment and still getting everything done in the classroom & spending time with my family is very rewarding.