By Oliver Hinson
On Thursday, seventeen schools will compete at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Track and Field Championships in Latrobe, Pennsylvania -- something they will do for the 100th time.
When this meet -- the oldest team championship in any high school sport in PA -- started in 1923, Calvin Coolidge was the president, the world record for the mile was 4:12.6, and a dozen eggs cost 13 cents. Since then, it has been held every year except for 2020 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Old Newspaper Archive from Meet
The first Westmoreland County Championship was held in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on May 12, 1923, featuring eight teams. Latrobe High School was the inaugural champion with 69 points, earning them the "Silver Cup," a trophy still used to this day, while Norwin was close behind with 25 points, and Scottdale High School finished third with 9 points.
Twelve events were contested at the meet, but they looked different from those we know today. All of the track events were run at imperial distances, from the 100-yard dash to the 2-mile run, and the field events had their own quirks -- notably, instead of a long or triple jump, a "broad jump" took place, where athletes jumped as far as they could from a stationary position.
Of course, the marks that won the 1923 championship would not come close to holding up today. The winner of the 1-mile run, a "Robb" from Latrobe, clocked a time of 5:08, while last year's winner in the 1600 meter run (9 meters short of a mile) ran a time of 4:40. Similarly, the shot put was won with a throw of 34 feet, 6 ¼ inches, and the high jump winner cleared a modest height of 4 feet, 9 ½ inches.
Since then, the record books have been rewritten countless times, and the meet has undergone many changes to transform into what it is today: one of the most special traditions in track and field in western Pennsylvania.
It starts with the location. Although the meet has changed hosts occasionally, it most often takes place (and will take place this year) at the picturesque Latrobe Memorial Stadium in downtown Latrobe, PA, surrounded by the rich history of an industrial town.
"Part of [what makes the meet special] is the atmosphere of Latrobe," Hempfield assistant coach Dave Murray said. "There's something about Latrobe Memorial Stadium that I just love. [It's] in the city, and being under the lights this year will make it even more special."
Latrobe Memorial Stadium
Additionally, because of its long history, the meet has built a reputation as one of, if not the most important competition on the schedule for Westmoreland County teams.
"That was always the big event," retired Norwin coach Geary Tray said, reflecting on the meet in past years. "You really didn't go to invitationals… the County Meet was the main thing that everyone geared up for. When you went to WPIALs, that was considered an individual thing, too… but the County Meet was a total team effort."
Throughout the years, it has seen plenty of crazy occurrences, such as the tie that occurred in 2000 between the Norwin and Hempfield girls, as well as outstanding performances from athletes. Numerous PIAA champions have come from the meet, including four-time PIAA champion Rachel Serafin, who would later compete for the University of Louisville, and Southmoreland's Chris Dugan, who held the PIAA 2A record in the 3,200m (9:04.09) for over 20 years.
Of course, this year, Hempfield's Elizabeth Tapper will serve as proof that this meet showcases the best of the best. Tapper, one of several Hempfield throwers throughout history to make their mark on the meet and on other stages, was a state champion last year in the shot put and discus, as well as a New Balance Outdoor Nationals champion in the discus throw.
As far as team success, the meet has been won by dozens of teams, but some have enjoyed more success than others. Hempfield Area, notably, has been a frequent flier in the first place spot. In 141 years combined (boys + girls), the Spartans have won the meet 49 times, more than twice the number of the second most frequent champion, Norwin (23 championships).
"Over the years, we've been blessed," Hempfield coach Ron Colland said. "First and foremost, we've had a lot of talented athletes throughout the years. And we've also had an excellent coaching staff."
This year, the meet could have a similar look. The Hempfield girls took first place at the Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational on April 14, while the Norwin girls were close behind in third -- although the Knights beat the Lady Spartans at their dual meet on April 25.
On the boys' side, Norwin looks like an early favorite after a second-place finish at the Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational and a section-clinching victory over the Spartans on Tuesday. Penn-Trafford, Greater Latrobe, and Kiski Area could also have a shot at the podium.
On the individual side, several champions from last year's meet are returning. Cody Rubrecht, a senior from Greensburg Salem, will be defending his championship in the 100m dash, while Hempfield Area's Caleb Prola can choose between the 200m and 400m, both of which he won last year. Other defending champions include Greensburg Salem's Aaron Tressler (3200m), Ligonier Valley's John Jablunovsky (high jump), Norwin's Trey Huha (long jump), and Hempfield Area's Peyton Murray (discus).
For the girls, Tapper will headline this year's group of stars -- last year, she took home first place in the shot put and discus and second in the pole vault. Norwin's Nataiah Robertson-Dutrieuille will also defend multiple titles, one in the 100m dash and the other in the long jump. Other returning champions include Hempfield Area's Cydney Blahovec (800m), Kiski Area's Eliza Miller (1600m), Norwin's Ashley Laukus (high jump), Southmoreland's Olivia Cernuto (triple jump), and Norwin's Alexis Heller (javelin).
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the meet, all of the medalists this year will be presented their medals by champions from past meets.
In future years, it's tough to say what this meet will look like. It could move locations, be dominated by other superpowers, or witness changes in the sport itself, just as it has for decades. Despite it all, the meet will remain a fixture in Western PA track and field for years to come.
"It's a tradition," Tray said. "You want to keep it going because it's a big thing for the coaches and the kids."