This week's notebooks highlights a pair of Penn Relay participants as well as some of the SOL's top performances.
By Scott Huff
Pennridge senior Ella Fox is one of the elite javelin throwers in the area – good enough to earn a prestigious invitation to the upcoming Penn Relays – but the talented Fox was not born to be a track and field standout.
“I got cut from softball my sophomore year, and some of my friends were on the track team and they were looking for throwers,” said Fox. “I really had no experience with track, but I wanted to stay involved in spring sports.”
“When she came over to us from softball we knew she had a great arm,” said Pennridge head coach Bill Smith. “But she really didn’t have any technique. But she is such a hard worker and she quickly became a talented thrower.
“Bob Clymer (former Pennridge head girls track and field coach who retired after the 2000 season) is our throwing coach and has worked diligently with Ella,” added Smith. “And right now, it seems that every time she throws in a meet she breaks her own school record. She is quite a success story.”
Fox – who is one of the Pennridge captains on the team - currently owns the Ram school record in the javelin with a 128-4 heave.
“Coach Clymer has helped me so much with learning my steps and what it takes to be as good as I can be,” said Fox. “And I worked with Warren Robertson at the Central Bucks West throwing camp, and he has also given me a lot of help. Right now, javelin is without doubt my favorite of the throwing events – discus is next – I really don’t enjoy the shot put too much.”
“Ella is going to be one of the best in the area in the javelin,” said Smith. “We have hopes for her to make districts and states in the discus, but the shot put is not her best throw at this point.”
Fox –who would like to major in communications in college but is keeping her options open as far as schools go – will compete at that next level.
“I don’t know where I will be next year,” said Fox. “But I know that I want to continue throwing. I have grown to love the sport.
“I still love playing softball, and I play at an intramural level,” added Fox. “And they tell me I still have a gun.”
Central Bucks junior Taylor Hojnacki is one of the elite discus throwers in the area – good enough to earn a prestigious invitation to the upcoming Penn Relays.
“I feel that it is a privilege to be able to compete there,” said Hojnacki. “Last year I was able to compete in the discus and it was a lot of fun. I was thrilled to go, and I hope that this year I can be a little more competitive.”
“I know how excited Taylor is to compete at the Penn Relays, and she should compete well at that level,” said Central Bucks South head coach Rachel Beck. “Taylor is more mature and has a great understanding of what it takes to be successful. Plus, she has turned up her training program a notch.”
Hojnacki makes a weekly trip to Glen Mills High School to train and work on her technique with coach Brian Wethey.
“My mom and I drive there once a week, and it has really improved the way that I throw,” said Hojnacki. “I am lifting much more during the week, and he has changed my technique which has helped me a lot.
“I haven’t decided on a college yet,” continued Hojnacki. “I’m keeping all doors open.”
The Blue Ribbon Winners in the TFCA of GP @ Coatesville
- Joey Logue – Pennridge – 800 meters [1:53.06]
- Colby Trauger – Pennridge – 300 meter hurdles [39.89]
- Mark Thompson – Cheltenham – 100 meters [11.31]
- Francis Feruzzi – Upper Dublin – 1600 meters [4.25.20]
- Jeffrey Wiseman – Council Rock South – 400 meters [48.94]
- 4 x 100 relay – North Penn – 43.70
- 4 x 400 relay – North Penn – 3:24.20
- Tim Deley – Central Bucks South – 6-2
- Jim Huynh – Cheltenham – 12-6
- Triple Jump – Kyree Willis-Lear – Cheltenham – 44-02.50
The Blue Ribbon Winners in the Lady Skins Invitational @ Neshaminy
- Christina Cianciarulo – Central Bucks South – 100 meters [12.72]
- Dasia Pressley – Neshaminy – 200 meters – [25.08]
- 4 x 800 relay – North Penn – 9:37.86
- Sara Sargent – Pennsbury – 1600 meters – [5:04.51]
- Nini Rogers – Pennsbury – 400 meters – [58.28]
- Kate Scott – Council Rock North – 3200 meters – [11.05.28]
- Christina Cianciarulo – Central Bucks South – Triple Jump – [34-9]
- Kathleen Hirthler – Council Rock South – Pole Vault – [10-4]
- Tyra Roberts – Bensalem – Shot Put – [39-00.25]
- Taylor Hojnacki – Central Bucks South – Discus – [120-9]
- Patchell Sydney – Council Rock South – Javelin – [98-0]
Set the Suburban One League Track & Field GPS
Jack Armstrong Invitational @ Abington High School
Friday – April 19, 2013
- Abington Ghosts
- Bensalem Owls
- Cheltenham Panthers
- Council Rock North Indians
- Council Rock South Golden Hawks
- Hatboro Horsham Hatters
- Norristown Eagles
- Springfield Spartans
- Upper Dublin Cardinals
- Upper Moreland Golden Bears
Central Bucks West Relays @ Central Bucks West High School
Saturday - April 20, 2013
- Central Bucks East Patriots
- Central Bucks South Titans
- Central Bucks West Bucks
- Council Rock North Indians
- Council Rock South Golden Hawks
- Truman Tigers
- North Penn Knights
- Pennridge Rams
- Pennsbury Falcons
- Upper Moreland Golden Bears
- William Tennent Panthers
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