2016 TRA Track & Field Honors Recipients Revealed

10/17/16

PITTSBURGH – The USATF Three Rivers Association is pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 TRA Track & Field Honors awards. Dozens of members casts their votes in late September to select the second track & field class who are a great representation of the diversity in our sport.

Started in 2015, this recognition program was created to celebrate the athletic achievements of association members. The program may also recognize coaches, volunteers or those who display great sportsmanship.

The Association is excited to recognize these members and their achievements or contributions to track & field. We look forward to the 2016 cross country season and creating more ways to give back to those who give so much to the sport. Each has received a customized plaque to commemorate their efforts.

Download the 2016 Three Rivers Association Honors – Track & Field Newsletter to learn more about each winner, their reactions and future plans.

2016 winners below:

FEMALE YOUTH ATHLETE(S):

Jayla Ellis – Midas Track Club – 15-16

• National Champion in the 100m H (14.52) at the 2016 USATF Hershey Youth Outdoor Championships.
• National Champion in the long jump (5.44m) at the 2016 USATF Hershey Youth Indoor Championships
• Placed 2^ndin the Heptathlon (4061) and 4^th in the long jump (5.17m) at the 2016 Hershey Youth Outdoor Championships.
• Placed 2^ndin the 55m H (8.44) and 9^th in the 400m (1:02) at the 2016 Hershey Youth Indoor Championships.
• 2015 TRA Honors – Track & Field, Female Youth Athlete of the Year

MALE YOUTH ATHLETE

Ayden Owens  – Nadia Track Club – 15-16          

• National Champion in both the 400m H (53.13) and  decathlon  (6201) at the 2016 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships
• 1^stplace in the 400mh ( 54.60), 4^th place in the 110m (15.21) and 6^th place in the 200m (22.17) at the 2016 USATF Hershey Youth Outdoor Championships
• Participant in 400m H at the 2016 USATF Junior Outdoor Championships  – 20th place    22
• 2015 TRA Honors – Track & Field, Male Youth Athlete of the Year

OPEN ATHLETE

Jordan Geist

• Broke PA High School shot put record multiple times throughout 2016
• Placed 1^stin both the shot put & discus at several high profile meets including PIAA State Championships, Annual Butler Track & Field Invitational, and Knoch Relays
• Named Pennsylvania Gatorade Boy’s Track & Field Athlete of the Year

FEMALE MASTERS ATHLETE

Lisa Lucas

• 1^stplace W50-54 10,000m with a time of 38:15.71 at the 2016 USATF Masters Outdoor Championships. The time beat all women 40+
• 1^stplace finishes in several road races including St. Barnabas, Brookline and Steelers 5k.
• Voted 2015 USATF National LDR Runner of the Year

MALE MASTERS ATHLETE

Erick Friedman

• 1^stplace in the Men 40-44 Javelin at the 2016 USATF Masters Outdoor Championships. Earned All-American honors.
• 2016 Canadian National Champion in Javelin. Threw the best mark amongst all age divisions.
• 1^stplace in the Men 40-44 Javelin at the 2015 USATF Masters Outdoor Championships. Earned All-American honors.

OFFICIAL

• Oronde Sharif

COACH:

Oronde Sharif – Nadia Track Club

• Two national champions at the 2016 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships
• 5 National Junior Olympic Qualifiers
• Numerous regional and national qualifiers in Team’s history