It was not a picture-perfect day weather wise Thursday at the WPIAL track and field championships.

The cool, damp conditions at Slippery Rock University might have been uncomfortable for the hundreds of athletes and fans at Mihalek-Thompson Stadium, but it did not faze Southmoreland senior Megan Mehall.

She returned home with two gold medals and two loaves of cinnamon bread for winning the Class 2A 800- and 1,600-meter runs.

All the athletes received a loaf of bread if they placed in the top eight.

“I was surprised because I have never doubled in a big meet,” Mehall said. “It was a big surprise. Last year’s race motivated me this year.”

Mehall was seeded No. 1 in the 800 last year and was leading for the first 400 before dropping back and finishing fourth.

“I was having hip issues, and it went south,” she said. “I just want to enjoy the rest of the season, and today was a start.”

Hempfield senior Chesnee Smith won the Class 3A 800-meter run with ease.

“I knew it would be tough because my opponents were formidable, and I did not want to underestimate them,” Smith said. “I just wanted to do my best, and if I won, I won.”

Smith said she followed her game plan and started out to see if anybody wanted to push her. They did not, and she pulled away.

“I wanted to see if anyone would run with me,” Smith said. “I could not be happier.”

Hempfield junior Madison Altman and junior Angelina Overfield finished second and third in the 3A 100 hurdles and celebrated their accomplishments.

Altman and Overfield joined Smith and Peyton Leduc on the second-place 1,600-meter relay team.

Both were returning from injuries this year, and Altman battled a shin injury late this season.

“I walked in pain until last week,” said Altman, who also placed second in the 300 hurdles. “Thank God for healing me. I feel pretty good.

“Now I will continue to train and try to medal at states. I want to win, but I will be satisfied with an eighth-place medal.”

Hempfield senior Jiana Patterson placed second in the Class 3A shot put with a throw of 37 feet, 1 inch. Sophomore Sophia Stoner was second in the 3A discus with a personal-best toss of 124-2.

Franklin Regional Jamie Kociela placed second in the high jump, Kiski Area sophomore Alaysia Bell finished second in the triple jump.

Norwin senior Annie Czajkowski placed third in the 3A 1,600 and fourth in the 3,200, and junior Karina Karadus placed seventh in the 100 hurdles and met the qualifying standards.

Greensburg Salem sophomore Isabella Dinkel placed third in the 3A 100 and 200.

Greensburg Central Catholic senior Julia Stilley placed fifth in the 2A 400 and sixth in the 200.

Sophomore Georgia Evans placed third in the long jump and fourth in the 300 hurdles, and senior Lira Bateson finished fourth in the triple jump.

Ligonier Valley sophomore Elyse Witcoski placed fourth in the 2A 100.