Jamie Kociela
School: Franklin Regional
Class: Junior
Sport: Track and field
Claim to fame: Kociela became the first girl in Franklin Regional history to win a PIAA track title, winning gold in the high jump at the Class 3A championship in Shippensburg. Her top mark was 5 feet, 6 inches. The high jump was moved indoors at Shippensburg because of rain and wind.
How did it feel when you realized you had won a state title?
I wasn’t expecting to win the state, so I was very excited.
What were your expectations coming in?
Coming in, I was hoping to end up in the top three.
How did you adjust to the high jump being moved indoors because of the weather?
When I found out that we were moved inside, I had to try to put the fact that we weren’t allowed to wear spikes out of my head and just think about technique.
What does it mean to you to be the first girl from Franklin Regional to win a state track and field title?
I am very excited to be the first female track athlete to win a state title. It means so much to be part of the school’s legacy. I hope there are many more girls in the future.
How long have you competed in track and field?
I have been doing track and field for five years.
What other events do you do?
I don’t have any other main events, but I will long jump and run the 200 (meters) to score points.
Do you play any other sports?
I am a swimmer as well. Our 200 freestyle relay won states.
What event would you like to try but never have?
I would really like to try out javelin and pole vault.
What are some of your hobbies?
Singing and crafting.
Are you taking a summer vacation?
My family is going to Virginia to see Shenendoah National Park.
Who is your favorite pro team and athlete?
My favorite pro team is the Steelers. My favorite pro athlete is Katey Ledecky.
What is your favorite class in school?
Anatomy.
Do you have any pets?
I do not.
Before I high jump I must ____?
Get a good warmup and braid my hair.
Who is your idol?
Sydney McLaughlin.
What makes you happy?
Working out and hanging out with my friends.
Are you a fan of Grogu? Have you seen “The Mandalorian and Grogu”?
I am a fan of Grogu. I have not seen it yet, but I plan to watch it soon.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.”
Anthony Grippo
School: Greensburg Central Catholic
Class: Senior
Sport: Baseball
Claim to fame: The Penn State commit had two hits, including an RBI double, in the WPIAL Class A Championship game against Eden Christian Academy on Tuesday. He is batting .590 with 27 RBIs.
What were your thoughts about the championship game?
A lot of people look at it as a bad thing because it was a championship label, but that is what it is, a label. It is not the end of the season. Realistically, there is only one state champion. It would have been cool to win a WPIAL title, but it is not the end of the season.
The 2002 Centurions lost in the WPIAL finals and came back to win the PIAA title. What did coach say to the team?
During our team season, and it is not a secret, we have an easier path. We have faced tougher competition and we are prepared.
Have you played against anyone from Claysburg-Kimmel?
Yes. Catcher Mason Campagna. He is a Penn State commit, too. We have played together since we were 12.
Do you have any secrets to getting him out?
There is no secret. He is a physical kid, and he stands out in uniform. He is a talented player, all-around.
How has your season gone?
It has been solid. At the beginning of the season I was getting walked a lot, especially coming off, what I would like to consider a good off-season for myself. It was hard getting walked a lot. Overall, it was a pretty good season. I am taking in game-by-game in the playoffs.
All the walks you encountered were in respect of your talent?
I do see that, but we had Tyler Samide coming up behind me and he benefited from that. I told Tyler I padded the stats for him.
Why did you select Penn State?
A Power-4 school and two hours away from my house. That was a big factor. And Coach (Mike) Gambino coming there, the program is completely different. There have been a lot of changes. It was not a target school for me until he got up there. Since then, I knew it was where I wanted to go.
Where do you like to eat after a game or practice?
I tell my mom, I like food-food. I cannot get a snack; I get Chipotle.
What is your favorite meal your mom makes?
I am a steak, mashed potatoes and broccoli guy. Standard for most guys.
What are your favorite types of movies that you watch?
I am not a movie guy. But I do watch a lot of college baseball recap games.
What type of music do you like?
I like country. Before games I like hip-hop and rap. But country, which is a switch for me.
What is your prediction for the Pirates?
They can be a playoff team, but being from Pittsburgh and growing up that statement is hard to make. So, it is the same thing for us and every team, you must go game-by-game.
What are your thoughts about Konnor Griffin?
He is an elite talent; a five-tool guy. He played in Louisiana, which is good baseball. I did not play against him, but I did play against his team and guys he played with.
Are the Pirates your favorite team?
Yes, they are the team I follow.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Because of summer ball, we do not a chance to go on vacation. I have been to Outer Banks and Florida.
Is there a place that summer ball has taken you that you want to go back to?
A beach in Florida. Hopefully I will get drafted; spring training is down there. I am a warm weather guy, which is weird because I am going to Penn State. I am an outdoors guy. I love to fish and play golf.
Is there a place you want to visit someday?
I would like to visit Hawaii. That would be cool.
What is the best pizza place in Mt. Pleasant?
I like Doughboys and Norvelt Pizzeria. The sweet sauce.
Do you have a dream car you would like to own?
A black Lamborghini or a blacked-out truck.
If you were to have dinner with someone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?
I would sit down with my trainers at the lab (Pittsburgh Baseball Lab). One played professional baseball (Norwin’s Max McDowell). That is where I spend most of my time. I see them as my friends. I like to talk about baseball.