SHIPPENSBURG — Conditions were not ideal for the final day of the PIAA track and field championships Saturday.
The athletes were greeted with steady rain and unusual chilly temperatures in the low 50s.
Everything was held as planned except for the pole vault and high jump, which were moved indoors.
Franklin Regional junior Jamie Kociela, who also is a swimmer, was not fond of moving the high jump.
But the move did not affect her as she put on indoor jumping shoes, won the event by clearing 5 feet, 6 inches and became the first girl in school history to win a PIAA gold medal.
“I was a little nervous because we were inside, and we were not allowed to wear spikes,” Kociela said. “I had to put that behind me and not think about it and jump the way I am capable of.”
According to Franklin Regional coach Bob Ralston, the only other PIAA track champion was Andrew Cohen in 2003 when he won the discus with a throw of 170-9.
“I was not expecting to win,” Kociela said. “My goal was to try to go as high as I could, and if I did I would be satisfied with that.
“I was happy to be here. I am so excited to be in this position.”
Franklin Regional junior Sean Cartwright, who entered the 110-meter hurdles seeded seventh after preliminaries Friday, finished third. Was he pleased?
“As good as I can be,” Cartwright said. “I came in seeded seventh, I ran my race and finished third. I am happy with that.
“With the conditions we faced, I ran as good as I could. I always want gold, but sometimes you cannot get it. The kid that won ran a great race.”
Hempfield senior Jonathan Stetchock broke another school record in the 3,200.
He placed fourth in 8 minutes, 58.81 seconds, beating his previous best of 9:10. He placed second in the 1,600 for his second medal of the weekend.
“I had gold in my mind, but I was really tired after Friday’s 1,600,” Stetchock said. “I was happy to come out here and get two medals: a second and a fourth.
“The race went out really quick. I have not really run too many 3,200s this year with a lot of competition. So, it was great to be out here.”
Stetchock said because the school’s program had not been big in distance races, he wanted to be a leader by example for future distance runners.
“That’s why I love running,” Stetchock said. “I wanted to show if you work hard enough, anything is achievable.”
Junior Madison Altman said after the WPIAL championships, she would be happy to get anywhere on the PIAA podium.
Altman reached her goal. She placed sixth in the 100 hurdles and seventh in the 300 hurdles.
“I am pleased,” Altman said. “I achieved my goals on getting on the podium.”
Kiski Area junior Braden Miller was sixth in the 110 hurdles.
Norwin senior Annie Czajkowski ended her high school career with her second medal this weekend. She placed sixth in the 3,200 after finishing fourth in the 1,600.
Greensburg Central Catholic senior Jerry Davis, the defending champion, was edged by North Catholic senior Logan Schade in the Class 2A 400r final.
“It was just his day,” Davis said. “I had a bad start and just did not run to my capabilities.”
Hempfield senior Chesnee Smith finished third in the 3A 800. Smith said she was pleased to finally face some tough competition.
“I just wanted to medal and be competitive.” Smith said. “And I broke my school record of 2:10.13. It was a good day, and I was a competitor. I am really happy.”
Southmoreland senior Megan Mehall competed in the 2A 800, where she finished second and broke her record of 2:15.24 by a half second.
“I am definitely pleased with my race,” Mehall said. “It was a great accomplishment.”