On a muggy, gray Western Pennsylvania afternoon early in May the Riverside Girls Track & Field Team finished in third place in the 2023 WPIAL Class 2A Track & Field quarterfinals.
The Lady Panthers were defeated by Greensburg Central Catholic and Winston Thurston on May 4th, coming in third place out of the four team quarterfinal pod. [VIEW FULL CLASS-AA BRACKET]
There were many personal records and notable overall performances according to the Panthers coach Deb Evans. With the meets close, the girls were defeated in the last event, the 4×4 relay.
“This team is an unusual group for their ability to get things done support all the team members, and complement one another’s talents,” says coach Deb Evans “With another winning season under our belt, we believe Coach Winfield would be very proud of our performances and teamwork.”
Winfield, who coached the girls’ team for over 30 years, passed away in January following a courageous battle with cancer.
Due to the weather delaying the WPIAL quarterfinals, the girls continued on for the 49th Annual Baldwin Invitational on the following day at Baldwin High School.
On May 5th, Lexi Fluharty broke the two-mile school record with a time of 11:26.89.
The Riverside coach says Fluharty has stated she wants to break the school record so it can ever be broken again.
“We believe she will get it done,” adds Evans.
Most recently in the last chance meet Brooke Wissinger broke her personal best for the two mile with an awesome time of 11:58.
“This is close to 16 seconds PR for for this amazing girl,” says Evans.
On Wednesday, the girls will travel to Slippery Rock University to participate in the all individual qualifiers PIAA District 7 (WPIAL) AA Championships.
In this meet, according to Evans, the girls will participate individually for their opportunity to compete at Shippensburg University for states.
Lexi Fluharty will be competing in the mile and 2 mile. Brooke Wissinger will be competing in the 2 mile. Jordan Chesko will be pursuing her opportunity to return to states for high jump, and triple jump. Carly Crawford will be going for javelin and discuss. The Panthers’ two sophomores, Delana Fox and Olivia Reed, will be attempting to go for javelin.
“We wish these girls all the luck in the world,” concludes Evans. “Go get them girls!”
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