Shaler Area’s Jayla Anotmachi wrapped up an unforgettable weekend at the 2025 PIAA State Track and Field Championships with a pair of state medals and a place in school history — and she’s not done competing yet.
On Friday, Jayla opened her championship weekend with a stellar performance in the AAA Girls Shot Put, throwing a personal outdoor best of 38' 11.25" to secure an 8th-place finish and a spot on the medal stand.
She returned Saturday for the AAA Girls Javelin, entering the event seeded 15th. Jayla exceeded expectations with an incredible series of throws, starting with a personal best of 135' 10" in the prelims. She followed that up with a 138' 0" throw — another personal best — to head into the finals ranked 6th overall. Her final series included throws of 130' 6", 130' 8", and 136' 8", giving her four personal bests out of six attempts.
Her top mark of 138' 0" set a new Shaler Area school record in javelin and earned her another 8th-place finish, making Jayla a double medalist at the PIAA Championships.
Now, with two state medals and a school record under her belt, Jayla shifts her focus back to the diamond — where she will suit up for the Shaler Area varsity softball team in the WPIAL Championship Game next Wednesday.
Jayla’s remarkable athleticism, dedication, and competitive drive continue to shine across multiple sports, and her accomplishments this spring will be remembered as one of the standout performances in Shaler Area athletics.
38'11.25"- 8th Place Finish
Liam tied the school long jump record of 22' 1.5" and indoor high jump record of 5' 10" this season. He also captured 118.2 points in his high school career!
Kaysia earned her way to the Shaler Area all-time top 10 at #10 with a season best high jump of 5' 0.5" this season
Max showed determination to help guide his success with over 20 feet of improvement in the javelin.
At the WPIAL Track and Field Individual Championships Jayla Antomachi took 2nd place in the shot put, breaking her outdoor personal best throw from las year. She is inching closer to the school record set back in 2015.
Jayla Antomachi secured 4th place in the javelin earning a trip to the state championship next week in both the shot put and javelin!
Liberty Paladin placed 8th in both shot put and discus, throwing a personal best in shot put.
Lucy McClean, Hannah Sahr, Octavia Dixon, and Lily Trgovic — ran a season-best 49.50, the #2 time in school history, earning 8th place overall.
Octavia Dixon finished the meet strong with a 17’ 4” long jump, maintaining a solid series to cap off a standout performance.
Freshman sprinter Lillian Trgovic continued her consistent season in the 100-meter dash, placing 6th overall with times of 12.64 in the prelims and 12.65 in the finals.
Trgovic also anchored the Girls 4x100 meter relay team—joined by Lucy McClean, Hannah Sahr, and Octavia Dixon—which secured 6th place with a time of 50.40 seconds
Dixon had a standout day of her own in the field events, placing 7th in the triple jump with a personal best of 35 feet, 4.5 inches.
Max Wiley earned an 8th place finish in javelin with a solid throw of 152 feet, 9 inches.
Liberty Paladin added to the Titans’ success in the circle, securing 5th place in the shot put with a throw of 34 feet, 10 inches.
Jayla Antomachi delivered a dominant performance, earning 3rd place in javelin with a throw of 123 feet and also finishing with a strong 3rd place in shot put with a mark of 36 feet, 7 inches.
As evening storms rolled in, the meet was delayed and eventually called off due to weather. However, competition in the pole vault resumed the following day at the Vault Shack indoor facility. Gabi Exler returned to action and capped off the meet for the Titans with a 6th place finish in the girls pole vault.
Despite the weather challenges, the Titans walked away with several top-eight finishes and personal bests, continuing to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Shaler Area Track & Field: Week 7 Athletes of the Week
This week’s Titan Athletes of the Week delivered clutch performances on one of the biggest stages of the season—the 60th Annual Butler Invitational and Seneca Valley Marcie Peaco Freshman/Sophomore Invitational. These athletes didn’t just show up—they rose to the occasion, competing against top talent from across the region and making Shaler Area proud.
Braedyn Witkowski
Not far behind Tazaine, Braedyn clocked a strong 11.50 in the 100m, reinforcing Shaler Area’s sprint depth and competitive fire in the short-distance events.
Tazaine Hinds
Tazaine delivered in the sprints with a lightning-fast 11.33 in the 100m dash at the Marcie Peaco Invite, showing elite speed and placing himself among the top sophomore sprinters in the WPIAL.
Max Wiley
At the Seneca Valley Marcie Peaco Freshman/Sophomore Invitational, Max turned heads with a monster throw of 152-6 in the javelin, earning 2nd place overall. His performance not only scored major points but also marked one of the top underclassmen throws in the region.
Jayla Antomachi
Jayla had a huge showing in the throws, earning 3rd place in the javelin with a mark of 131-8, and backing it up with a 5th place finish in the shot put at 36-7.5. Her consistent ability to score at major meets continues to anchor the Titans' throws squad.
Harmony, PA – April 17, 2025
Shaler Area’s underclassmen track and field athletes took center stage at the Marcie Peaco Freshman/Sophomore Invitational, hosted by Seneca Valley, and they did not disappoint—racking up standout performances across the board in both boys and girls events.
In the 400m, freshman Tyler Shaw showed his potential with a fast 55.62, while in the 800m, freshman Lucas Fedel clocked in at 2:18.19.
Fedel again finishing under 5 minutes at 4:57.48. Freshmen Shea Stromoski and Dillon Stegman added depth in the distance events, both finishing just over six and a half minutes.
In the field events, freshman Jackson Beck cleared 5’1” in the high jump and jumped 33’5.5” in the triple jump, showing promise as an all-around athlete. Nicholas Primis, a sophomore, clearing 6’0” in the pole vault.
Logan Messina continued to impress, posting a sharp 4:41.03 and 2nd place finish, in the 1600m. Messina also doubled back in the 800m, running a strong, 2:07.28 at 3rd place
Sophomore Tazaine Hinds led the way on the track, blazing to an impressive 11.33 in the 100m dash, one of the top times of the day and a 1st place finish. Close behind was Braedyn Witkowski, who clocked 11.50 at 2nd place, and Caleb Cox followed with 12.27, making it a strong showing in the sprints for the Titans.
In the 4x100m relay, the team of Cox, Witkowski, David Small, and Hinds blazed to a 45.83, a solid mark that highlights the depth and talent of Shaler’s sprint squad.
The day’s biggest field highlight came in the javelin, where sophomore Max Wiley launched a massive 152’6” to claim 2nd place overall, one of the top performances of the meet and a sign of things to come for the Titan thrower.
In the triple jump, sophomore Melina Poliziani marked 30’0.5”, a solid effort in a deep field of jumpers. She also threw 80’3” in the discus, while freshman Charlotte Paladin added a throw of 73’9.5”.
Paladin’s top moment came in the shot put, where she placed 4th overall with a mark of 27’6”, standing out among the top freshman throwers in the WPIAL.
The Shaler Area Girls 4x100m Relay Team
Naudia Zotter, Layla Lehmeier, Gabby Alcalde, and Adelayde Paladin sprinted to a 5th-place finish with a time of 54.11, showing strong exchanges and steady speed across all four legs.
Butler, PA – April 17, 2025
The Shaler Area Track and Field team turned in a strong showing at the prestigious Butler Invitational on Thursday, with several standout performances that highlighted the Titans’ talent and competitive spirit.
In the sprints, seniors Ryan Peterson ran 11.87 in the 100m dash. His speed helped propel the Titans’ 4x100m relay team—featuring Antonio DiTommaso, Peterson, Garrett Grazier, and Liam Kelley—to an impressive time of 45.58, showcasing strong baton exchanges and raw athleticism.
Antonio DiTommaso broke the 12-second barrier once again in the 100m dash, with a time of 11.95.
Garrett Grazier cleared 5’8” in the high jump, continuing to be a consistent contributor in the vertical jumps.
It was a banner day for Liam Kelley, who made his mark in multiple events. He soared 20’0” in the long jump, leaped 41’1” in the triple jump, and launched the javelin an impressive 146’5”, solidifying his reputation as one of the top all-around athletes in the WPIAL. Kelley’s versatility and competitive drive were on full display throughout the meet.
The Shaler Area girls track and field team delivered a stellar set of performances at the Butler Invitational on Thursday, with several athletes making a strong statement among elite competition.
Freshman Lillian Trgovic turned heads in the 100m dash, blazing to a time of 12.84, a remarkable result for her first year on the high school stage. Fellow freshman Lucy McClean also posted a solid effort in the event, finishing in 13.70. Trgovic returned to the track in the 200m, where she clocked 27.79, followed closely by senior Hannah Sahr, who crossed the line in 28.12.
The Girls' 4x100m Relay 6th Place Finish
Lucy McClean, Hannah Sahr, Octavia Dixon, and Lily Trgovic—showed great speed and chemistry, finishing in 50.81, a time that speaks to the depth and potential of this young relay squad. The girls currently rank #2 in the WPIAL with their season best performance of 50.13.
In the throws, junior Jayla Antomachi delivered two of the top performances of the day for the Titans, placing 3rd in the javelin with a mark of 131-8, and following that with a 5th-place finish in the shot put, throwing 36-7.5. Her strength and competitive spirit were on full display as she went toe-to-toe with some of the region's best.
Gabrielle Exler, a junior, cleared 8-0 in the pole vault, continuing to gain confidence and consistency in a technical event that requires both courage and control.
In the field events, junior Octavia Dixon continued her dominance in the horizontal jumps, leaping 16-2.5 in the long jump and soaring to 34-9 in the triple jump, proving to be one of the most versatile athletes on the team.
Shaler Area Track & Field: Week 6 Athletes of the Week
This week’s Titan Athletes of the Week go beyond just big performances on the track and in the field—they demonstrated leadership, team-first attitudes, and true Shaler Area pride. Congratulations to the following athletes:
Aubrey Blank
Stepped up without hesitation to compete in an event she doesn’t usually do, showing versatility, courage, and team-first mentality when the team needed her most.
Haley Sikora
Took home 2nd place in the 100m hurdles, helping the team score critical points in a competitive field. Her consistency and competitive edge continue to shine through.
Elizabeth Hanasik
Finished just behind Haley, placing 3rd in the 100m hurdles, also scoring important points for the Titans. Her steady improvement and focus make her a key contributor to the hurdles crew.
Gabi Exler
After winning the pole vault, Gabi went straight to work—staying to help run the pole vault pit for the rest of the meet. Her ability to lead by example makes her a standout athlete on and off the runway.
Garrett Grazier
Scored 7 points by competing in pole vault, high jump, and the 4x100m relay. Garrett didn’t just shine in competition—he stuck around after his events were over to help run the meet, making sure everything ran smoothly. He was the last athlete to leave, showing what it means to be a true teammate.
Antonio DiTommaso
Ran a personal best of 11.90 in the 100m dash and was a huge help around the track throughout the meet. Like Garrett, he stayed until the very end, lending a hand and demonstrating great leadership and dedication.
The Titans secured a 3rd place tie in the high jump by Garrett Grazier, who also placed 3rd in pole vault.
Shaler’s biggest impact came in the field events, largely thanks to the outstanding effort of Liam Kelley. Kelley won the javelin (151’7”), long jump (20’8”), triple jump (42’4.5”), and high jump (5’8”), single-handedly accounting for 20 of Shaler’s points.
Sprints & Relays
Shaler’s sprinters made a strong showing early, with Tazanie Hinds taking first in the 100 meters with an impressive time of 11.48 seconds. Teammate Braedyn Witkowski followed close behind in 2nd, securing vital points with a time of 11.62. The Titans, Ryan Peterson, Braedyn Witkowski, Garrett Grazier, and Tazanie Hinds, also claimed a win in the 4 x 100m relay, clocking 44.96 seconds, and Ryan Peterson earned a hard-fought victory in the 200 meters, narrowly defeating Fox Chapel.
In the 400 meters, Tyler Shaw grabbed 1st place with a 56.09 performance, keeping Shaler in contention during the mid-meet stretch.
The Titans also secured a 2nd place finish in the javelin by Max Wiley
Fox Chapel dominated the distance races, sweeping the top three spots in the 1600 meters and 3200 meters. Shaler’s Logan Messina managed a 2nd place finish in the 800 meters with a strong 2:08.22.
Fox Chapel – 99
Shaler Area – 51
Despite the loss, Shaler Area’s squad showed heart and talent throughout the meet, especially in the sprint and jumping events. As the season continues, the Titans will look to build on these performances and tighten up depth across all events.
The Titans were particularly strong in the throwing events. Liberty Paladin led the charge, capturing 1st place in the shot put with a commanding throw of 35-2.25. Paladin also impressed in the discus, claiming 2nd place (112-3), just ahead of Aubrey Blank, who secured 3rd with a mark of 80-1.
After her softball game, in javelin, Jayla Antomachi earned 1st place with a strong throw of 118-1, while Maylee Lazzari took 3rd at 90-9, rounding out an exceptional day for Shaler’s throwers.
Elisabeth Walker added to the point total with a 3rd place finish at 22-5 in the shot put.
In the jumps, Octavia Dixon placed 2nd in both the long jump (15-7.5) and triple jump (34-11.5), showing her versatility and athleticism. Kaysia Chelli added a field event win for Shaler with a 1st place clearance of 4-10 in the high jump.
In hurdles, Adelayde Paladin placed 3rd in the 300-meter hurdles (53.05), while Haley Sikora and Elizabeth Hanasik went 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in the 100-meter hurdles, with times of 19.40 and 19.48.
Shaler’s sprinters also made their mark. In the 200-meter dash, Octavia Dixon sprinted to 1st place in 27.68, while Hannah Sahr followed closely behind in 3rd (29.40). Sahr also claimed 3rd place in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1:06.92.
Highlighting the team’s collective strength, the Girls 4x100m relay team of Lucy McClean, Hannah Sahr, Octavia Dixon, and Lily Trgovic captured 1st place with a time of 51.21, showcasing smooth exchanges and strong finishes.
Fox Chapel – 91.5
Shaler Area – 54.5
Despite the loss, Shaler Area’s squad showed heart and talent throughout the meet, especially in the sprints, throws, and jumping events. As the season continues, the Titans will look to build on these performances and tighten up depth across all events.
Shaler Area Track & Field: Week 5 Athletes of the Week
Shaler’s boys distance squad dominated the 1600m against Pine-Richland, going 1-2-3 in an impressive team performance. Logan Messina led the way to take the win, with Tommy Podgorski and Lucas Fedel finishing just behind.
Lily Trgovic continues to turn heads on the track. She ran 12.95 in the 100m and a standout 26.32 in the 200m. That 200m performance now ranks #6 on the all-time Shaler Area list.
Liam Kelley continued his dominance in the jumps this week scoring 25 points across 4 events. His consistency and versatility in the field make him a major asset for the Titans.
The Shaler Area Titans put on an impressive display during their recent tri-meet against Butler Area and Pine-Richland, held at Butler High School. With standout performances on the track and in the field, the Titans continue to build momentum as the season progresses.
These results reflect the growing depth and versatility of the Shaler Area squad. Full meet results can be found at the link below.
In field events, Liam Kelley was a force to be reckoned with. Results Against Pine-Richland, he captured:
1st place in the High Jump,
2nd in the Long Jump, and
3rd in a deep Triple Jump field.
The Titans also had strong showings against the host team, Butler:
Liam Kelley swept the High Jump, Long Jump, and Triple Jump, taking 1st in all three.
Garrett Graizer took 3rd place in the Pole Vault, continuing his steady season.
Throwers also made their mark:
Max Wiley launched a new personal best of 148-6 in the Javelin, earning 2nd place against Pine-Richland. Max Wiley also earned 3rd place in the Javelin, against Butler
Kelley wasn’t done yet—he also hit a new PR of 136-4 in Javelin, placing 3rd.
The boys’ 1600m was a highlight of the meet against Pine-Richland, with Shaler sweeping the top three spots.
Logan Messina led the charge with a commanding 1st-place finish in 4:52.81.
Messina also showcased his range by grabbing 3rd place in the 800m against Pine-Richland.
Logan Messina secured 3rd in the 1600m against Butler
Tommy Podgorski followed close behind for 2nd in 5:02.68, and
Lucas Fedel rounded out the sweep in 3rd with a 5:04.25.
Lily Trgovic runs 12.95 in the 100m and 26.32 in the 200m. The 200m time puts her #6 in the all-time Shaler Area top 10
Octavia Dixon scores 19 points on the day in the Long and Triple Jumps and 4x100m relay
Liberty Paladin throws 111' 3" in the discus. She scored 16 points on the day in the discus and shot put
The Titans finish out the day at Butler and take on Fox Chapel at home for their last regular season meet on Wednesday, April 9th at 3:30pm
Shaler Area Track & Field: Week 3 Athletes of the Week
The Shaler Area Girls 4x100m relay team—Lucy McClean, Octavia Dixon, Hannah Sahr, and Lillian Trgovic—brought home a dominant first-place finish in their tri-meet against North Allegheny and North Hills, clocking an impressive time of 50.13 seconds. Their performance not only secured the top spot but also demonstrated the team's growing strength in sprints this season.
Leading the way in individual events, Lillian Trgovic continued her standout performances, claiming first place in the 100m dash with a time of 12.99 seconds. With this incredible achievement, Lillian became the first Shaler Area female sprinter to break the 13-second barrier since Eloise Facher and Mayah Charity in 2021.
This relay squad and Lillian’s individual success highlight the hard work, dedication, and speed that define Shaler Track & Field. Congratulations to Lucy, Octavia, Hannah, and Lillian on their well-earned Athlete(s) of the Week honor!
The Shaler Area Boys Track & Field team continued their season with a solid showing at North Allegheny, taking on powerhouse programs North Allegheny (NA) and section rival North Hills (NH). Despite tough competition, the Titans turned in several top finishes across sprints, distance, hurdles, and field events.
In the 200m, Ryan Peterson earned 3rd, against NH.
In the 200m, Antonio DiTomasso earned 2nd place against NH
In the 100m dash, Ryan Peterson raced to a 2nd-place finish against North Hills.
Tyler Shaw delivered a consistent performance in the 400m, placing 3rd against both teams with a time of 56.13.
In the 300m hurdles, Colby Mine and Michael Fec (photo) swept the top spots against North Hills, finishing 1st and 2nd, respectively, in a standout performance for the hurdles squad.
Logan Messina ran a strong 800m, taking 2nd against North Hills and 3rd against NA with a time of 2:12.25.
In the 3200m, Lucas Fedel continued his solid season with a 3rd-place finish against North Hills, clocking in at 11:34.55.
Liam Kelley once again showed why he’s one of the WPIAL’s premier jumpers.
1st in Long Jump vs. North Hills and 2nd vs. North Allegheny with a leap of 21-0.
1st place in the Triple Jump with an impressive mark of 42-3.
In the Pole Vault, Alex Martin-Adler vaulted to 2nd place against North Hills and 3rd against North Allegheny, showing poise in a technical event.
Max Wiley had another strong day in the Javelin, placing 2nd vs. NA and 3rd vs. NH with a throw of 139-6.
Shaler Area Varsity Track & Field Week 2 Athletes of the Week
David Small – In his first-ever track meet, David stepped up in the 4x100 relay and was welcomed by the upperclassmen, showing great promise as a newcomer.
Trevor McGovern – Balancing football and track, Trevor has excelled as a thrower while also training with the sprinters, posting impressive workout times.
Naudia Zotter – Juggling track, flag football, and soccer, Naudia has demonstrated outstanding communication and leadership, stepping outside her comfort zone to compete in new events.
Octavia Dixon – Managing recovery across track, flag football, and volleyball, Octavia took on the triple jump and recorded a mark that exceeds the WPIAL’s top 24 over the past five years.