Penn Hills track team builds toward spring at state indoor meet

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, March 3, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Mackenzie McIntyre has been slowly building toward bigger accomplishments.

The Penn Hills junior has been making strong contributions to the track team since her freshman year. McIntyre was one of two members of the Penn Hills indoor track team to reach the PTFCA indoor state championship Feb. 25 at Penn State.

McIntyre competed in the 60-meter dash and placed 20th with a time of 7.96 seconds.

“It was good for Mackenzie to get up to that level and see the competition there,” Penn Hills track coach Lee Zelkowitz said. “I think she could be competing for a medal next year.”

McIntyre got her feet wet at the state level last spring. She was called upon to run in the 1,600-relay race as a substitute for Milani Oliver.

Zelkowitz said that McIntyre should be set up to have another strong spring, especially in the sprints.

“She’s in tremendous shape right now,” Zelkowitz said. “With what she does in the weight room and what she’s doing with workouts, she looks like a different runner. She’s really turning into one of the premier sprinters in the WPIAL.”

Achan Green also qualified in the 60-meter hurdles. Green finished in 18th place with a time of 8.51 seconds. Green will be eager to have another shot to qualify for the state tournament during the outdoor season.

Green was slowed by a hamstring injury at the WPIAL Class 3A championships at Slippery Rock last year. Green wasn’t able to compete in the 300 hurdles.

“I think he realizes that he needs to put the time in,” Zelkowitz said. “He’s blessed with a lot of talent.”

Zelkowitz said he was happy with the number of athletes Penn Hills had out for the team this season. The Indians always use the indoor portion of the season to get ready for the outdoor competition.

“I see us having a competitive team for outdoors,” Zelkowitz said. “I was really pleased with the indoor team. You couldn’t ask for more. It’s nice when you don’t have to worry about anyone screwing anything up. Everyone was always on time for the bus and everything worked out well. It was a pleasant coaching experience for me.”

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