Hoprich, Kosek Receive Citations From Senator Yaw, Representative Owlett, County Commissioners

By: Ed Weaver  /  June 23, 2026  /  Photo: Ed Weaver

Juniors Piper Hoprich and Lauren Kosek received citations from Senator Gene Yaw (R-23), State Representative Clint Owlett (R-68), and the Tioga County Commissioners, Sam VanLoon, Marc Rice and Shane Nickerson, Monday afternoon at the Wellsboro Community Athletic Complex.

In attendance were Deb Rudy from Senator Yaw's office, Tara Pifer from Representative Owlett's office, and Wellsboro Mayor Craig West.

The citations recognized Hoprich's PIAA Class 2A state championships in the 100m (11.90) and 200m (24.39) and Kosek's 2nd place finish in the Class 2A 3200m run (10:35.87).

In addition to Hoprich and Kosek, the members of the Lady Hornets' 4th place 4x100m relay team of senior Sophia Yoder, sophomore Luna Moyer, and freshman Paige Rush were also recognized.

"We have athletes in the area that are putting their all out there and giving a lot of effort to show off their skills and abilities, so it's worth recognizing all the hard work they put in here on this track when no one's watching, when everyone's watching," said Commissioner VanLoon. "As commissioners we want to make sure we're recognizing folks. I wasn't exactly sure of the protocol, some only recognize first place. We're doing top three."

VanLoon, who has two sons who run track at rival North Penn-Mansfield, understands the work and commitments both Hoprich and Kosek have put in during their careers.

"I'm a little biased. I'm a track person to a certain extent. I've seen the hard work and phenomenal performances these ladies have put out there, so I reached out the coaching staff and facilitated with Senator Yaw and Representative Owlett's offices and everyone was eager to do it."

Hoprich and Kosek both participated in the New Balance Outdoor Nationals this past weekend at the University of Pennsylvania. Hoprich placed 48th in 12.17 in the 100m prelims and 56th (24.81) in the 200m prelims. Kosek finished 114th (5:03.44) in the 1600m finals, but set a new PR in the 5000m (5k) run with a 13th place finish (17:23.07).

"The tricky part was finding a good time for everybody to come together," continued VanLoon. "It made sense to do it here at the track where they put themselves out there for everybody. It was a great showing by the community, which I was not surprised by, they have a good support group following them. I'm Mansfield proud but I'm still proud of the whole county. It's fun seeing these great athletes. These girls push our girls harder and look up to them and I just want to keep the positive thing going."

Hoprich became Wellsboro's first girls track individual state champion, and just the second individual state champion in school history.

"This is really special. I'm really glad the community came out to support all the girls," said Hoprich. "I think it's super important and I'm glad that people are making it a big deal. I'm super glad that we got all this."

Kosek received a citation earlier this winter from Senator Yaw recognizing her 3rd place finish at the PIAA Cross Country championships, along with claiming a District IV XC title in Class 2A. Kosek wasn't expecting the recognition.

"It was to be recognized and was very cool to see how many people came out to support us," Kosek said. "It hasn't been very common for local athletes to get this type of recognition, so it was very exciting."

Wellsboro Girls Track head coach Elizabeth Hoover also showered praise on her junior athletes, and thanked community members for their support this season.

"I’m so thankful that the girls were recognized for their accomplishments," commented Hoover. "It was great to see so many people who came out to appreciate what they achieved through their hard work and dedication. I am so proud of them, not only as athletes, but as outstanding young ladies in our community."

With the New Balance Nationals over, both Hoprich and Kosek have their sights set on big senior years.

"(This past weekend) didn't go exactly as planned and I didn't get exactly what I wanted, but I still had solid times. I'm can't be mad about them at all. When you're competing at that level it's a little humbling but its good to compete against better people."

Hoprich is taking what she learned this past weekend and applying it to get ready for her senior season.

"It definitely helps me push myself and stay grounded. I'm going to get more running in and focus on power lifting and strength training and keep up the consistency."

For Kosek, she's using the momentum to get ready for cross country season in the fall.

"I felt like I ran a strong race and ran my best race of the day, placing 13th in that type of field was super exciting. It was a cool way to end our track season and going right into cross country trailing. I'm super excited for cross country season. I have some really big goals, so I'm excited for training this summer and seeing what I can do."