Hempfield’s Peyton Murray returns to top of podium in PIAA Class 3A discus
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Saturday, May 25, 2024 | 5:29 PM
Hempfield’s Peyton Murray won a second consecutive title in the discus at the PIAA Class 3A track and field championships Saturday.
WPIAL girls took the top three spots in the 100-meter dash at the PIAA Class 2A track and field championships: Avonworth/Northgate’s Hayzes Robinson (first place, second from right), Winchester Thurston’s Monroe Law (second, center) and Greensburg Central Catholic’s Eva Denis (third, left).
Hempfield’s Peyton Murray won back-to-back titles in the boys Class 3A discus at the PIAA track and field championships Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Penn-Trafford’s Matt Sarnowski took third in the boys discus throw during the PIAA Class 3A track and field championship Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Shippensburg University.
Penn-Trafford’s Matt Sarnowski took third in the boys discus throw during the PIAA Class 3A track and field championship Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Shippensburg University.
Hempfield’s Peyton Murray won the boys discus during the PIAA Class 3A track and field championships Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Shippensburg University.
Penn-Trafford’s Matt Sarnowski took third in the boys discus during the PIAA 3A Track and Field Championship Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Shippensburg University.
Greensburg Salem’s Luke Rullo took second in the Class 2A triple jump at the PIAA track championship Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Hempfield’s Peyton Murray wins the boys discus back to back during the PIAA Class 3A Track and Field Championship Saturday at Shippensburg University.
SHIPPENSBURG — This time, it was Peyton Murray’s turn to shine.
The Hempfield Area senior reclaimed the Class 3A discus title Saturday at the PIAA track and field championships at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium.
Murray defeated solid challenges from Strath Haven senior Gavin Schmidt, who threw a 177 feet, 1 inch, and Penn-Trafford senior Matt Sarnowski, who threw a 173-8.
Murray’s best throw was a personal record of 186-6, which eclipsed his best toss prior to the meet by 3 inches. It came on his final attempt. He already had won the event by an inch before launching his big throw.
Coincidentally, his previous best came at Shippensburg last month during an invitational.
He was the first Hempfield boy to win consecutive state titles. Liz Tapper and Rachel Serafin previously won consecutive girls titles.
“If I had to choose between being a PIAA champion or a WPIAL champion, I would have picked the state title,” Murray said. “Matt and I had great battles all season. We went back-and-forth. It’s not enjoyable beating someone you like.
“It was enjoyable to compete against him. We made each other better. Both of us had our moments this year. We both had a great season.”
Sarnowski had beaten Murray three times during the season, including last week at the WPIAL championships.
“It was cool that Matt had a moment, too,” Murray said.
Sarnowski finished third for the second consecutive season.
“It was a great run,” Sarnowski said. “We had a great team season. It wasn’t my best day. I felt I had a good week of practice. I just couldn’t put it together.”
Sarnowski said there is not a better person or competitor than Murray.
“Peyton and I have battled the past four years,” Sarnowski said. “We talk every meet, and we’re super competitive. Peyton’s dad (Dave) helped me in the offseason. We have a great relationship.”
Murray was more consistent with is throws. He hit a 174-0 on his first throw and then nailed a 177-2 on his third. His fifth throw was huge, but he was called for a foul.
“I rarely foul in the circle,” Murray said. “That was probably a 180-plus.”
After Sarnowski and Schmidt failed to beat him on their final throws, Murray unleashed his best throw of the season.
Murray said he had multiple Hempfield alumni text him good luck throughout the week.
“We’ve had countless state champions,” Murray said. “It’s great to be part of that family.”
Murray wore a shirt that has been passed down by previous champions. It’s faded and has a couple of holes. But it has been a good omen for Hempfield throwers.
“It started with Weston Banks,” Murray said. “It’s been passed on over the years. Max Adams had it, Dom Marshall, my brother Alex and Dan Norris. I don’t know who will get it next.”
Rullo places second
Greensburg Salem sophomore Luke Rullo said he is not fond of big crowds.
But he overcame that fear by performing at a high level and finishing second in the Class 2A triple jump with a personal record of 44-11.
East Allegheny senior Lorenzo Fancher captured the triple jump with a leap of 45-6 3/4.
Rullo barely made the finals. He was seeded ninth.
“That’s how I operate,” Rullo said. “My better jumps are usually four through six.”
He hit his big jump on his fifth attempt.
“I had an average day Friday in the long jump,” Rullo said. “But I redeemed myself in the triple. I was looking to PR, but I never expected by that much. I was really surprised. I’m glad I ended on a good note.”
Other Westmoreland athletes to earn medals included Southmoreland sophomore Megan Mehall (sixth in 2A 800) and four Greensburg Central Catholic athletes: Sasha Hoffman (eighth 2A 100 hurdles), Eva Denis (third 2A 100), James Brewer (eighth 2A 300 hurdles) and Jerry Davis (fifth 2A 400).
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
Tags: Hempfield
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