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Michina’s bronze leads area’s top finishers

Delozier, Knisely, Paronish fifth; PC’s Janosik seventh

Photo for the Mirror by Teri Enciso Chestnut Ridge sophomore Duane Knisely prepares to throw the discus en route to a fifth-place medal.

SHIPPENSBURG — Five area athletes, four in Class 2A and one in Class 3A, accomplished their goal by bringing home medals on day one at the PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium on Friday.

Lauren Michina of Penn Cambria earned a bronze medal in the 2A girls high jump, Altoona’s Tyler Delozier (3A boys pole vault), Northern Cambria’s John Paronish (2A boys javelin) and Chestnut Ridge’s Duane Knisely (2A boys discus) each earned fifth-place medals, and Penn Cambria’s Lyric Janosik earned a seventh-place medal in the 2A girls long jump.

Michina made her third appearance in the Class 2A girls high jump a charm — jumping 5 feet, 4 inches to finish in third place. The Panther senior entered the event seeded 21st.

Lydia Bottelier of Palisades won with a distance of 5-8.

“I’m so happy. I had my mind in it more this year. I didn’t let stupid scratches or my tape get to my head too much,” Michina said. “I knew if I just jumped my best I could place. The competition was crazy. When I stepped up to do 5-4, I knew I had nothing to lose. I knew if I could pull that I had a good chance of placing and I did just that. The past two years at states, I didn’t do my best. This year, I brought it all together and I’m happy with third place.”

Michina will try to win her second medal in the triple jump this afternoon. Michina was sixth in the event a year ago.

Teammate Janosik reached the podium with a seventh-place finish in the long jump. Janosik, just a sophomore, cleared 17-1.75. Breana Gambrell of Athens won the gold with a jump of 19-11, a new PIAA record.

“I very excited because I’m only a sophomore, so placing at states is awesome. I didn’t do my best, but I know I have two more years, so I’m going to come back bigger and better,” Janosik said. “I was here for triple jump last year. This is my first time at long jump. I feel pretty good. There was a little bit of fault in my performance, but nothing I feel can’t be improved. I need to keep my speed and make sure my steps are good enough.”

As the day wore on, the heat increased, and Janosik felt it had some effect on her performance.

“The heat bothered me a little bit. I definitely do better when the days are cooler, but as an athlete, you have to be able to do well no matter what the conditions,” Janosik said.

The lone medal in Class 3A belonged to Altoona’s Delozier in the pole vault. The Mountain Lion senior scaled 14-6 for fifth place.

Delozier was seventh last year. Even more impressive, he placed while nursing a sprained ankle.

“I was just trying to do the best I could do. I knew it would be a dogfight and that’s what it was today,” Delozier said. “I’m just glad I got fifth place. My mindset was to get first attempts because first attempts go a long way in the state meet. That helps you place. I scratched my first attempt but made the next two, and that’s why I’m here. I’m happy I made it over the bar today.”

In the 2A boys javelin, senior Paronish, a University of Pitt-Johnstown commit, threw 184-4 to finish fifth for the second straight year. Ethan Dabbs of Richland won gold with a throw of 217-6.

“I was happy with my performance. I threw over 180 for the first time this season. I was a little disappointed, though, because my school record is 187.” Paronish said. “It was a beautiful day and the better competition helped me throw better today. It’s good to end my high school career with another medal. I’m ready to start my next chapter in college.”

Knisely of Chestnut Ridge took fifth in the 2A boys discus with a final throw of 153-5. The Lion sophomore was seeded second with a throw of 159-10 at the District 5 meet. Brock Grundy of Hickory won the state title with a throw of 163-4.

“I’m happy with my performance. I wanted to come in a little higher, but getting a medal was the goal,” Knisely said. “I was off my personal best. I was hoping for a better throw. I wasn’t too worried about being down here for the first time. It was a lot more intense than districts. I need to be better prepared for it next year. I know what’s coming and what to expect now.”

Day two action gets under way this morning at 9 a.m.

Other field performers who came up short of a medal on Friday include:

n Penn Cambria senior Tyler Weigand, 10th in the 2A boys javelin, 174-3.

n Tussey Mountain junior Cole Weist, 12th in the 2A boys javelin, 161-6.

n Philipsburg-Osceola senior Dane Soltys, tied for 10th in the 2A boys high jump, 6-2.

n Chestnut Ridge freshman Logan Pfister, tied for 20th in the 2A boys high jump, 5-8.

n Tyrone senior Jacob Meredith, 23rd in the 2A boys high jump, no height; and 26th in the 2A boys long jump, no distance.

n Chestnut Ridge senior Noah Dillow, 13th in the 2A boys long jump, 20-5.25.

n Cambria Heights senior Evan Bobby, 17th in the 2A boys discus, 132-0.

n Everett senior Stefanie Ketterman, 25th in the 2A girls long jump, 14-2; and 27th in the 2A girls high jump, no height.

n Bishop Carroll junior Jenna Bobroski, 24th in the 2A girls discus, 93-10.

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