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riccia takes sixth in long jumpPenns Manor ASophomore erases thought the high jump and triple jump would be herj strong points. Going into districts her best jump was 15-9, andtier OWH doubts she went in. and just blew everybody away with that 17-3.”— Penns Manor, coach Dan Barnes, speaking of state medalist Christina StmmaBy TONY COCCAGNA. Gazette Sports EditorSHIP PENSBURG—Clir istina Sgricd a never much cared for the long jump.But she changed her mind.Sgriccia, a sophomore at PennsManor, became much fonder of the long jump in the last 10 days, culminating with a sixth-place finish in the Class AA girls’ competition at the PIAATteck and Field Championships at Shippens-burg University on Friday.The long jump, I didn’t think I’d ever like the event, she said. Well, I liked it, but I neveF thought I'd be any good at it. I doubted F was even going to do it at districts so I could concentrate on the triple jump. And then I did it, and I've just been getting better at it and enjoying it a lotSgriccia is enjoying the event as she improves by leaps and bounds. Her best jump entering last week’s District 6 Meet was 15-9, but she soared to 17-3 and almost won the championship. At the state meet, she topped 17 feet twice,placing with an effort of 17-2.“It wasn't one of her strong points, Penns Manor coach Dan Baines said of the long jump. “We thought the high jump and triple jump would be her strong points. Going into districts her best jump was 15-9, and she went in and just blew everybody away with that“What an athlete. What can I say? She's just the kind of kid that once she knows she can do something she doesn't go backwards.”Mycah Clemons of Valley won the long jump at 17-5W. Jill Albee, a freshman from Hanover, was second at 17-4Vt, and District 6 champion Christina Burnett of Tyrone was third at 17-4V4. Sgriccia scratched on one of her attempts, a jump that might have challenged for the state title.It did look like a good one,” she said. “When I was in the air it felt like it was good, but...But there are plenty of more good jumps in Sgriccia. In fact, her strongest event has been the triple jump, and site was going for a second medal this morning. She entered the competition as the second seed at 36-7. Burnett, a senior, is the top seed, and the next six seeds are underclassmen. u ftn excited about it, Bames said. “The seedings look great... and I'm expecting great things out of her. I expecther best jumps of the season, I really do.She’s really coming on strong.Bames is also excited about the opportunity to coach Sgriccia for two more years.I’m glad I have her for two mare years ” he said. “We’re going to work on the high jump. She's working herself over five feet, and that's on strength. She came close to making it here in the high jump this year, so maybe we'll have a three-event qualifier next year.A standout in basketball and volleyball, Sgriccia also holds die school records in the long jump and triple jump, which she set at the district meet.“One of the big plusses for her is that she works the different sports, Bames said. “She’s a hard worker, and she works hard all the time and never questions what you want her to do.In all, 28 area athletes and two relay teams qualified for the state meet. Also competing Friday but not advancing to the finals of their respective events were Julie Paronish, Northern Cambria, pole vault (8-6); Jen Gibson, Blairsville, high jump (5-0) and long jump (15-10*^); Kim Rorabaugh, Purchase line, discus (115-2); Ashfey Leasure, Marion Center, 400 (1:00.48); and Alicia George, Homer-Center, 300 hurdles (51.16).Competing in Class AAA but not advancing were Punxsutawney’s Renea Shaffer, 200 (28.56) and 400 (53.36); Ann Doty, long jump U6-ll/«); and 3,200 relay team (10:38.17),The competition continues throughthis afternoon.
Newspaper Details
Indiana Gazette
Indiana, Pennsylvania, US
Sat, May 25, 2002
Page 29
Full Page
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PA, USA 16 Apr 2023
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