2023
WPIAL
Track & Field
Preview
WPIAL Finals Preview # 1
Event/Class: AAA Girls 1600m
SQS- 5:10.00-10 girls have hit this mark in 2023
2022 WPIAL Champ- Mia Cochran 4:56.85
WPIAL Record- Brianna Schwartz Shaler 4:45.19 2014
2022 Returning Medalist- 6
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Logan St. John Kletter Mount Lebanon 4:50.77
Dangerous Contender: Wren Kucler North Allegheny
Podium Move Up: Harley Kletz Montour (PA Indoor Mile 2nd place)
Look out for Contender: Natalie McClean (2022 AAA XC State Champ)
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 4:55
Thoughts ? The girl's 1600-meter run is by far the most difficult race in the entire WPIAL. I could see 12 girls running under 5:10 in this race. With so much talent, I think the first 800 will be fast, around 2:25, because in order to make states, you have to be in the race from the start.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 2
Event/Class: AA Boys 300 Hurdles
SQS- 40.80
2022 WPIAL Champ- James Brewer Greensburg Central Catholic 41.49
WPIAL Record-Dustin Fuller Washington 38.50 2012
2022 Returning Medalist- 4
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Isaac Wetzel Freeport 39.39 (3rd place AAA 2022)
Dangerous Contender: James Brewer Greensburg Central Catholic
Podium Move Up: Adam Halinka Southmoreland
Look out for Contender: Sondre Lunde Burgettstown
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 38.88
Thoughts ? James Brewer will look to win his 2nd WPIAL Championship in the 300 hurdles, while Isaac Wetzel dropping to AA this season will challenge him. Burgettstown's newcomer, Sondre Lunde, has run some quality races in 2023 against AAA competitors. Look for him to challenge down the home stretch.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 3
Event/Class: AA Girls High Jump
SQS- 5-2
2022 WPIAL Champ- Elliot Oliphant South Park 5-2
WPIAL Record- Pam Gearing Slippery Rock 5-10
2022 Returning Medalist- 6
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Ava Koski Neshannock 5-3.5
Dangerous Contender: Oumou Thiero Quaker Valley
Podium Move Up: Emily Mahle Waynesburg
Look out for Contender: Ella Neil California
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 7 girls will clear 5-2, it will come down to overall misses to sort out the medals/places.
Thoughts ? Elliot Oliphant from South Park will look to defend her WPIAL AA Girls High Jump Championship. The AA girls' high jump has captivated the WPIAL as one of the most fiercely competitive events this season. It's a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of these athletes. The excitement reaches its peak as the top 7 girls showcase their ability to clear the impressive height of 5-2. With mental preparation and unwavering determination as the deciding factors, this event promises a thrilling showcase of resilience and passion. The athlete who demonstrates consistent performance up to 5-2 will seize the well-deserved honor of claiming first place, adding a touch of exhilaration to this exhilarating competition.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 4
Event/Class: AAA Boys Discus
SQS- 153-0
2022 WPIAL Champ- Peyton Murray Hempfield 162-6
WPIAL Record-Jordan Geist Knoch 208-7
2022 Returning Medalist- 3
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Peyton Murray Hempfield 182-1
Dangerous Contender: Matt Sarnowski Penn Trafford
Podium Move Up: Jack Crider Kiski Area
Look out for Contender: Anthony Petrulo Norwin
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 187-5
Thoughts ? The anticipation is sky-high as the defending WPIAL AAA Boys Discus champion makes his return. Murray, who clinched the title as a sophomore, is back and ready to continue his legacy. This season, his exceptional performances have earned him the well-deserved #1 ranking in Pennsylvania. Murray's journey serves as a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion for his craft. However, the competition won't be a one-sided affair. Matt Sarnowski, who secured a respectable 5th place finish in 2022, is eager to make a remarkable leap forward. With his sights set on challenging Murray, Sarnowski embodies the spirit of tenacity and determination that defines a track and field athlete.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 5
Event/Class: AAA Girls 400m
SQS- 58.62
2022 WPIAL Champ- Abbie Huey Indiana 56.90
WPIAL Record- Hunter Robinson (Avonworth/Northgate) 2017 54.49
2022 Returning Medalist- 4
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Isabella Costa North Allegheny 57.31
Dangerous Contender: Artemis Conaboy Bethel Park
Podium Move Up: Mylah Faulk Penn Hills
Look out for Contender: Angelina Massey Ringgold
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 57.55
Thoughts ? Abbie Huey's decision to focus on the 200-meter race has added an exciting element of unpredictability to this event, leaving it wide open for the taking. The competition is brimming with talent, with an impressive seven girls clocking under 58 seconds, setting the stage for a truly exhilarating race. The outcome will ultimately be determined by that final burst of determination and resilience in the last 100 meters. The beauty of this race lies in the countless scenarios that could unfold, creating an atmosphere of thrilling anticipation. Among the contenders, Massey and Conaboy are poised to showcase their remarkable speed and strategy as they strive to close the gap on Costa and Currie from North Allegheny in the final 100 meters.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 6
Event/Class: AA Boys 4x100 relay
SQS- 44.30
2022 WPIAL Champ- Beaver Falls 43.07
WPIAL Record-Aliquippa 2012 42.28
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Aliquippa 43.21
Dangerous Contender: Washington
Look out for Contender: Beaver Falls
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 43.00
Thoughts ? The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown in the 4x100 championship as Aliquippa, carrying the prestigious title of the #1 seed, aims to add another remarkable chapter in the school's history. With Washington and Carlynton eagerly vying for a chance to challenge them, the competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle. While Aliquippa's track record speaks volumes about their dominance, it's important not to overlook the potential surprises that lie ahead. Last year, Beaver Falls defied the odds by securing the WPIAL Championship from lane 2, showcasing the true essence of the unpredictability of the event.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 7
Event/Class: AA Girls 100m
SQS- 12.70
2022 WPIAL Champ- Tehya Dave North Catholic 12.70
WPIAL Record- Alyssa Wise Washington 2014 11.90
2022 Returning Medalist- 5
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Hayzes Robinson Avonworth/Northgate 12.29
Dangerous Contender: Tori Atkins Laurel
Podium Move Up: Simaya Ausby Aliquippa
Look out for Contender: Eva Denis Greensburg Central Catholic
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 12.25
Thoughts ? The AA girls' 100-meter dash competition is undergoing a remarkable transformation, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to the entire WPIAL. This season, the event has witnessed an incredible surge of talent and speed, with six exceptional girls clocking impressive times under 12.6 seconds. It's worth noting that just a year ago, a time of 12.6 seconds would have secured victory in the WPIAL Finals, highlighting the remarkable progress and competitiveness of this year's participants. Adding to the anticipation, Hayzes Robinson enters the competition in the peak of her physical condition, ready to make her mark in the 100-meter dash. Her return to full health injects an extra dose of excitement into the event.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 8
Event/Class: AAA Boys Triple Jump
SQS-45-0
2022 WPIAL Champ- Dwayne Taylor North Allegheny 46-10
WPIAL Record- Ulysses Walker New Caste 1969 48-2
2022 Returning Medalist- 3
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Jonathan Price Seneca Valley 45-0.5
Dangerous Contender: Luke Campbell Butler
Podium Move Up: George Tabor Fox Chapel
Look out for Contender: Xxavier Thomas Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 45-2
Thoughts ? With 5 guys jumping over 44-5 this season, it's going to be a fun competition to watch. Price claimed the silver medal in 2022, but is the #1 seed in 2023.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 9
Event/Class: AAA Boys 800m
SQS-1:57.00
2022 WPIAL Champ- Jacob Puhalla Moon 1:51.49
WPIAL Record- Jacob Puhalla Moon 1:51.49 2022
2022 Returning Medalist- 3
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Jacob Puhalla Moon 1:53.11
Dangerous Contender: Kayden Lightner North Hills
Podium Move Up: JP Byrnes Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Look out for Contender: Ben McLean Pine Richland
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 1:53.70
Thoughts ?Jacob Puhalla is on the brink of making history once again in the boys' AAA 800-meter run, as he sets his sights on securing his remarkable 3rd consecutive 800-meter championship. His exceptional achievement would place him alongside the esteemed Dominic Peretta of Beaver Falls (AA) as a three-time winner. In the memorable WPIAL race of 2022, Puhalla left an indelible mark by setting a new WPIAL record with an impressive time of 1:51.49, solidifying his status as one of the best 800-meter runners in WPIAL history. The competition is fierce this season, with a remarkable nine athletes clocking times below 1:57. This showcases the exceptional talent and depth in the field, promising an exhilarating challenge for Puhalla. The likes of Sarkett, McLean, and Byrnes are primed and ready to bring their best performances, igniting a thrilling battle with Puhalla as they push each other to the limit in the final stretch.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 10
Event/Class: AAA Girls Shot Put
SQS- 37-6
2022 WPIAL Champ- Liz Tapper Hempfield 45-10.5
WPIAL Record- Elaine Sobansky Trinity 48-4.25
2022 Returning Medalist- 3
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Liz Tapper Hempfield 48-7
Dangerous Contender: Maggie Claire Canon-Mac
Podium Move Up: Jamie Frisco North Allegheny
Look out for Contender: Mia Pierce Laurel Highlands
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 49-2
Thoughts ? Liz Tappers confidently enters the girls' AAA Shot Put event as the clear favorite, poised to secure the gold medal and potentially set a new meet record. With her outstanding track record as the defending champion, expectations are high for her success. It's worth noting that Hempfield, a powerhouse in Shot Put, has claimed an impressive 7 WPIAL girls' Shot Put titles since 1980. Additionally, Pierce and Clair are displaying great determination and skill, aiming to achieve exceptional throws beyond the notable 40 mark.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 11
Event/Class: AA Boys Pole Vault
SQS- 13-6
2022 WPIAL Champ- Andrew Layton Waynesburg 14-6
WPIAL Record- Will Behm Waynesburg 2018 14-10
2022 Returning Medalist-2
#1 Contender (Top Seed): Andrew Layton Waynesburg 14-6
Dangerous Contender: Cody Rubrecht Greensbur Salem
Podium Move Up: James Brewer Greensburg
Look out for Contender:Peyton Yuhas West Mifflin
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 14-10
Thoughts ? Andrew Layton, a determined and talented senior, returns to the WPIAL AA Pole Vault event with the goal of adding another championship title to his already impressive resume. Layton is not only aiming for the championship but also has his sights set on challenging the WPIAL record. This record, held by former Waynesburg athlete Will Behm, serves as an inspiring target that drives Layton's pursuit of excellence. Adding to the excitement, Rubrecht and Yuhas, who previously competed in AAA last year, will be formidable contenders as well.
WPIAL Finals Preview # 12
Event/Class: AA Girls Long Jump
SQS- 16-11
2022 WPIAL Champ-Clare Barr Mcguffey 17-0
WPIAL Record- Cassie Richards Winchester Thurston 2001 19-11.5
2022 Returning Medalist- 4
#1 Contender (Top Seed): DaShae Cochran Winchester Thurston 18-5
Dangerous Contender: Clare Ruffing
Podium Move Up: Lola Abraham Riverview
Look out for Contender: Kendall Loos Knoch
Winning Time/Mark Prediction: 18-2
Thoughts ? The girls' WPIAL AA Long Jump is poised to deliver an exhilarating showdown of talent and determination. It's a testament to the remarkable abilities of these athletes that an impressive 12 girls have already surpassed the PIAA SQS mark of 16-11 this season. The depth of talent in this event is astounding, with the potential to send a remarkable 8 girls to the PIAA Championships. Super freshman DaShae Cochran as the #1 seed at an incredible distance of 18-5 injects a thrilling sense of anticipation into the competition. Cochran's remarkable debut in high school Track and Field sets the stage for a potential WPIAL Championship victory, showcasing her exceptional skills and undeniable potential.bWith a deep field of 17 girls ready to showcase their abilities, the event becomes a melting pot of possibilities. Each athlete has a chance to seize victory and make their mark in WPIAL history.