Penn Hills notebook: Fitness competitor wins back-to-back national titles

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, May 26, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Jadyn Wright continues to build on the legacy he has created on the Penn Hills fitness team.

When Wright went to the Marine Corps Youth Physical Fitness National Championship in Little Rock, Ark., he once again brought home top honors.

Wright finished slightly short of a perfect score while capturing his second straight national title. He was the first boy in the history of Penn Hills program, which stretches back to the 1960s, to win the national championship last year.

Penn Hills football waiting

The Penn Hills football team is scheduled to have powerhouse Aliquippa in the same section this fall. However, the Quips are still contesting being moved up to Class 5A due to the PIAA’s competitive balance rule.

Aliquippa’s fate for this upcoming season will be determined by Common Pleas Judge James Ross, who said on May 17 that he would issue a ruling within seven to 10 days.

Seeing Aliquippa moved out of the section if it wins its appeal would require some shuffling in Class 5A. Penn Hills is currently set to be in a section with Fox Chapel, North Hills, Pine-Richland, Plum and Shaler.

Penn Hills does have some recent history with Aliquippa. The Indians scrimmaged the Quips when Jon LeDonne, an Aliquippa graduate, was still the head coach at Penn Hills. LeDonne helped facilitate the meeting.

The Quips are the defending PIAA Class 4A champions. Penn Hills last won a state championship football in 2018. The Indians reached the WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinals last season.

The Indians are set to open this season by hosting Susquehanna Township on Aug. 24.

Richardson helps Lincoln

Irlynn Richardson has helped Lincoln’s softball team go from five CIAA wins last season to 12 this year. Richardson is third on the team in batting average at .343.

She finished with 12 doubles, three triples and drove in 23 RBIs.

Tags: Penn Hills