Shady Side Academy freshman thrives on WPIAL track’s biggest stages
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Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 11:01 AM
Shady Side Academy freshman Javon Johnston receives his third-place medal at the Butler Invitational.
Javon Johnston continues to impress Shady Side Academy boys track and field coach Adam Janosko with his drive.
The Bulldogs freshman, who qualified for the PIAA Class 2A championships in two events, went to the West Mifflin Last Chance Meet to put pressure on himself. Johnston wanted to set the school record in the long jump and did so, leaping 22 feet, 11 inches to finish second.
The only jumper to finish ahead of him was Penn Hills’ Ron Porter III, who went on to become the WPIAL Class 3A long jump champion.
Johnston placed third in Class 2A in the triple jump with a leap of 21-11 and second in the triple jump with a distance of 44-1.
“I think he has an internal drive that he wants to be the best he can be,” Janosko said. “When it matters the most, he jumps at his best.”
The Bulldogs had one other individual top 10 finisher at WPIALs. Cameron Mallory got on the medal stand in the shot put by placing seventh with a throw of 45-7.
Shady Side Academy’s 400-meter relay team placed sixth with a time of 44.63 seconds. Will Nury finished 15th in the 1,600 run with a time of 4:43.83 while Harlan Cooper finished 17th in the 3,200 run (10:44.03).
Jalen Bey finished 12th in the long jump with a leap of 19-3 3/4.
Janosko said he was excited to see Johnston have the opportunity to compete at Shippensburg in the PIAA championships. Usually, Janosko said, Johnston is used to there not being a lot of activity around the jump pit.
Janosko assured him the crowd at states would be more engaged.
“I asked him if he had ever been to Shippensburg before,” Janosko said. “I was trying to describe the stadium to him and he asked me if people would be watching. He was excited about that. He shines the brightest when the stage is the biggest. I hope that continues.”
Janosko said Johnston has exceeded his expectations. He didn’t want to place any goals for what may be ahead before states.
“I don’t want to write his future for him,” Janosko said. “He’s so young and talented.”
Tags: Shady Side Academy
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