Hoprich, Kosek Break School Records In District Meet; Gehman Takes Triple Jump Gold

By: Ed Weaver  /  May 19, 2024  /  Photo: Brett Crossley/Northcentralpa.com

The weather may have been cold and rainy, but that didn't affect members of Wellsboro's Girls Track & Field team from having a record setting day at day two of the District IV Championships on Saturday, May 18.

The Lady Hornets brought home three gold medals en route to a 6th place finish (51 points, tied with Athens). In addition to the finish and gold medals, three new school records were set.

Freshman Lauren Kosek kicked things off in the 3200m, as she broke a 35-year old record set by Debbie Bilder. Kosek finished 3rd overall in 11:19.83 to qualify for states on time, but also knocked six seconds off her previous best time for the year, and breaking Wellsboro's school record by two seconds.

"t was a really good race. My hope was to run under 11:20 so I met my goal. The top 4 were all from the NTL so I was mentally prepared for how the race was going to go. I knew I would have to set the pace so that's exactly what I did. I felt like I ran a very strong race despite the rainy weather. I am honored to break a record that has stood for 35 years and I can't wait to try to break my own record in years to come."

Kosek also took home a 6th place finish (5:27.78) in the 1600m. She is now looking forward to going to her first state meet.

"It is so exciting to have the chance to go to states my freshman year! I would really like to try to medal. Overall, the day went really well and I am so happy with how my 32 went. I can't wait for states and chance to see some amazing competition!"

Immediately after Kosek set her record, freshman Piper Hoprich broke her own school record in the 100m, a record she set earlier this season, by claiming the top spot in 12.40.

"It felt really good, I’ve been training throughout all of the off season and training even more throughout this entire season," Hoprich said. "I just told myself that I'm running my race, and just focusing on getting across the finish line. But yes, it felt amazing!"

On Thursday she won her prelim heat (12.65) then dropped a tenth of a second (12.55), both state qualifying times, in her semi-final race to finish 2nd. Not only did she win the 100m, she also won the 200m later that day and set a new school record. Hoprich ran a 25.61 in the 200m, besting her time by nearly a full second, to claim her second gold of the day. Taylor Acorn held Wellsboro's previous 200m school record (25.89).

"It was unexpected to say the least. I was seeded 2nd for the 100 meter dash and 6th for the 200 meter dash. Like I said earlier, I just told myself to run my race. I didn't focus on any of the other girl's times, I just ran my race. It felt amazing though, after I finished my 200 meter dash I honestly didn't know what to do with myself. It feels like all of my training and hard work has definitely paid off."

Hoprich also anchored the 4x100m relay team with teammates Sophia Yoder, Emily Richardson, and Jordan Rumsey, who took 4th on the day (51.13) to earn another trip to the podium. Wellsboro's 4x100m relay team finished the season undefeated against NTL teams.

Now Hoprich has her eyes set on the state championships.

"I'm ecstatic to go to States! It'll be a new experience and there will be lots of talent there. There will be lots of opportunities to PR and to meet all the athletes that are ranked best in the state!"

Wellsboro's final gold medal of the day came from junior Annie Gehman. Gehman set a new PR with a jump of 35-ft, 4-in on her final attempt in the finals. Earlier in the day she placed 15th in the high jump (4-ft, 8).

"It feels so amazing to win! I was so excited to return and successfully defend my title even with the rain. During high jump I slipped at 4'8 and that threw me off, but during triple the rain cleared and it wasn't too wet."

Last year Gehman hit 35-ft, 1-in to claim gold in the triple jump as a sophomore. She hit that mark again earlier this year before improving by three inches to defend her title.

Also on the day senior Sara Seeling medaled with a 6th place finish in the javelin (102-ft, 2) and then finished 16th in the 300m hurdles (51.81), sophomore Kristina Belz (4-ft, 6) was 20th in the high jump, junior Paige Logsdon (81-ft, 4) was 19th in the javelin, and senior Grace Harlan (29-ft, 3.75) was 19th in the shot put.

Wellsboro's 4x400m relay team of Yoder, Rumsey, Seeling and Hoprich (4:23.37) finished 11th.

Head Coach Elizabeth Hoover was proud of the effort her girls showed Saturday.

"What a day! I started the morning with worry over the 60 degree temps and forecasted rain, but Lauren set a standard the very first race by running the state qualifying time in the 3200 and breaking a 35 year old school record! With the rain pouring down, Piper headed over to get her lane assignment for the finals of the 100. I knew she wanted to win that race despite being seeded second, but the weather made me nervous! Not only did she win, but she also broke the school record! That race was followed by many PRs by both the girls and boys teams. We finished up with Piper winning the 200 and breaking the school record, Noah qualifying for states by getting second in the in the discus and Annie jumping to a first place finish in the triple jump. So we are taking an athlete to states in the throws, jumps, sprints, and distance.

"This would have never been possible without the coaching of Kate Gehman, Erin Butters, Eric Kosek, John D, and Jen Sporer. Shippensburg, here we come!"