Norwin track teams ready to take on tough section competition

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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After a solid turnout during the indoor season, Norwin track and field is primed to carry the momentum into the spring.

“We have a very dedicated team with a nice mix of upper and underclassmen,” coach Tim Van Horn said. “This group really works to push each other within their events and in the weight room.”

Boys team

The strength appears to be a deep hurdles group, but Van Horn also likes his distance runners and thinks his jumpers could pack a surprise.

“The team has their eyes set on getting back to the WPIAL team finals after missing out last year, but we know our section has been improving each year and it will be a battle for the section,” Van Horn said.

Junior Nick Puskar was second in the WPIAL (3A) in the pole vault.

A top newcomer is senior Owen Cristopher, a soccer standout who will compte in the 100, 200 and 400 relay.

Other athletes to watch: Seniors Luke Denny (200/400, 1,600 relay), Nicholas Legnine (100/200, 400 relay), Teddy Ola (400/800, 1,600 relay), Carter Tobin (100/200, relays). Juniors Nick Bognar (100-400, long jump), Thomas Gaydos (1,600/3,200), Enzo Jiancristoforo (1,600, 3200, 1,600, 3,200 relays), Gage Mamie (LJ/TJ), Eli Nicolas (200, 400, 1,600 relays), Ryan Schiller (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, LJ), Luke Simpson (400, 800, 1,600, relays), Callum Turner (shot/discus). Sophomores Jeremiah Francis (110/300 hurdles, 1,600 relay). Freshmen Tyler Beck (hurdles, 200), Potter Brozeski (HJ), Sauly Guyaux (discus/javelin), Alexander Irwin (PV).

Girls team

With only seven seniors back from a WPIAL runner-up team, the Lady Knights will look for key contributions from underclassmen.

“We will be looking to some unproven youngsters to pick up a lot of the points vacated by last year’s graduates,” Van Horn said. “We have a good amount of holes to fill to become a complete team, but the girls have been working hard since November. We would like to make another playoff run as a team but understand our section has beefed up and the teams around the WPIAL have gotten even stronger.

“I am anxious to see what this young team can do as they get more experience under their belts.”

Distance could be the team’s calling card as the season progresses, while sprints and hurdles will also produce points.

A young group of jumpers shows promise.

Athletes to watch: Seniors Casey Rose Colcombe (100/300 hurdles, HJ, 1,600 relay), Audra Fedor (1,600/3,200), Rosemary Gaydos (1,600/3,200, 3,200 relay), Julia Walko (1,600/3,200, 3,200 relay). Juniors Brandi Brozeski (110 hurdles, TJ, HJ), Bella Furno (800), Lexi Heller (shot put/javelin), Melani Schmidt (100, 200, 400, relays), Autumn Stoken (300 hurdles, 400, 1,600 relays). Sophomores Annie Czajkowski (800, 1,600, 3,200, 1,600 relay), Ang Palmieri (LJ, 100, 400 relay), Ashlynn Field (discus, javelin). Newcomers Ava Christopher (100, 200), Ava Bobby (discus), Anna Dansak (800, 3,200), Emily Dansak(800, 3,200), Kiley Denoble (100, PV), Karina Karadus (100/300 hurdles), Myla McCabe (100, 400, relays), Randi Riazzi (discus).

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin