Waynesburg’s Layton wins gold again
SLIPPERY ROCK — Waynesburg Central’s Andrew Layton has been there, but it was a new experience for Connellsville’s Nathan Reese and California’s Tanner Pierce.
The experience was standing atop the awards podium as the gold medal winner at the WPIAL Class AA Track & Field Championships at Slippery Rock University, and all three seniors received top honors.
Layton, a senior, successfully defended his Class AA pole vault after clearing 14-9. He came in at 13-9 and was clean from that point through attempts at 14 feet, 14-3, 14-6, 14-9 and 14-11.
He was one of two vaulters remaining at his opening height and welcomed the competition.
“With him being there, that helped me out a lot,” explained Layton.
Layton is still dealing with a foot injury that occurred before the season began.
“The foot is better. It’s the take-off foot. It’s rough. I haven’t practiced,” said Layton, adding, “I tray to block out the pain. I’m really good at it.”
Reese hit his winning throw of a personal-best 52-5½ on the first attempt in the finals. His previous best was 52 feet.
Pierce won the Class AA shot put gold medal with a personal-best throw of 50-7½. The senior said he changed his delivery and it paid off.
Waynesburg Central’s Breydon Woods qualified for the state meet after he finished fifth in the Class AA 200 with a personal-best time of 22.89 seconds.
West Greene’s Colin Brady (8, 100) and Waynesburg Central’s 400 relay (6) all medaled, but did not advance to the state meet.
In the girls Class AA meet, Waynesburg senior Emily Mahle earned her first state berth.
Mahle placed fifth in the long jump with a leap of 16-11½. She also was seventh in the high jump.
“It was stressful,” Mahle said after she didn’t earn a qualifying berth in the high jump. “I’m definitely glad it worked out in my favor. This is only the fourth time I’ve done the long jump.”