TRA 2015 track & field season comes to a close
9/11/15
PITTSBURGH – The Three Rivers Association had a busy track & field season. Activity started to pick up in early spring, as athletes young, and old began competing locally and around the country. Things were off to a positive start with the DICK’s Sporting Good Pittburgh Marathon. Elite athlete and TRA member, Clara Santucci, seized her second crown winning the women’s race in 2:34:44. 14-year old, youth member Mark Brown had a great day at the event as well. He participated in the UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Sports Medicine 5K and placed third with a time of 16:48. His performance was good for third in the open division and third amongst all males.
In High School action, Madison Wiltrout launched the javelin to a new national record in 185-8 setting the tone for the types of performances we could expect for the year. As the high school season was winding down, the Association started hosting its traditional preliminary track & field competitions. These events serve as a great tune-up for athletes preparing for the tough championship schedule ahead. In total, there were six(6) preliminary meets and two (2) welcomed open and masters athletes.
Championship season kicked off at Cal U with the TRA Championships on June 20 – 21. Close to 700 athletes participated across all age divisions. There were several stars of the meet that participated in multiple events and brought home an individual title in at least three (3). These athletes were Damya Scott of Future Stars, Danielle Bryant of Stallions Track Club, Jayla Ellis of Next Level Athletics, Ethan Gardner of Stallions Track Club, Isaiah Melvin of Valley Speedsters, Mark Brown of Greensburg YMCA, Maya Dean of Nadia Track Club, and Robert Zukas of Philadelphia Masters.
TRA also played host to the Junior Olympic Region II Championships held at Slipper Rock University from July 9-12. Our youth members represented the Association well and won regional titles in over 40 individual and relay competitions. Perhaps the most exciting performance was that of Steel City Express 8 & Under girls. They set a new regional record in the 4x100m relay crossing the line in 1:04.12. This same team also won the 4x400m title for their age division.
Association members traveled all over the country attending national competitions and achieving great success. These events included the USATF Hershey Youth Outdoor Championships, World Youth Track & Field Trials, USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships, East Region Masters Outdoor Championships and USATF Masters Outdoor Championships. They also participated in other area and national competitions like the Brentwood Firecracker 5k, Debbie Green 5K, Utica Boilermaker 15k and National Senior Games. Members were active in other capacities with Gary Aldrich serving as coach for the Pan American Games and Bruce and Cindy Long playing integral roles on the national Championship Management Staffs for the Hershey Championships, World Youth Trials and National Junior Olympic competitions.
The Three Rivers Association will implement new initiatives to help recognize some of the amazing performances and contributions throughout the year.
More details on several of these competitions can be found by visiting the news section of the website.
Competition results can be accessed by visiting the results zone or youth and TF/LDR pages.