Kosek Shatters Own 1600m Record, Hoprich Sets 200m Meet Record, At LHU HIgh School Classic

By: Ed Weaver  /  April 25, 2026  /  Photo: Eric Kosek

Junior Lauren Kosek shattered her previous school record in the 1600m, with a new time of 4:59.47, while capturing a 1st place finish in the event at the LHU High School Class Friday afternoon.

Kosek and Altoona's Ashlyn Noce both ran sub-five minute times in the event.

"I watched Lauren dominate that race and pull ahead on her third lap," girls head coach Elizabeth Hoover said. "I know when she is racing, when her third lap is an all-out sprint! But then, she moved into a higher gear on her fourth lap, and I knew another record was about to fall. Lauren's determination to get better every race is evident. Her passion for seeing how far she can push herself is contagious, and I watched other athletes hit PR's and break meet records after cheering her on yesterday.

"Lauren is one of those athletes that has a desire to improve and chip away at her own limits. She refuses to settle for mediocre, and I am just thankful to be a part of her journey."

Junior Piper Hoprich also set a new meet record, running a 25.09 in the 200m to break the previous meet record of Central Columbia's Ellen Shepard (25.14) set back in 2013.

"The theme of this year? Breaking records! The temperature was perfect toward the end of the day, and Piper dominated the 200, cruising to that meet record finish," added Hoover. "We have a home meet on Tuesday, our last regular season meet of the year. I encourage everyone to come out and watch what these athletes are doing!"

The Lady Hornets finished 7th overall as a team with 41 points, the fourth-highest finishing District IV team behind Hughesville, Williamsport and Lewisburg.

Senior Kristina Belz (4-ft, 8) tied for 17th in the high jump with senior Olivia Gage (4-ft, 8) placing 21st and sophomore Lauren Gehman (4-ft, 6) finishing tied for 28th. Belz (15-ft, 7) was 11th in the long jump along with sophomore Isla Twoey (14-ft, 7.75) in 22nd and Gehman (14-ft, 7.25) in 23rd.

Twoey (33-ft, 4.5) took 11th in the triple jump with Belz (32-ft, 11) right behind her in 12th and Gehman (31-ft, 3.75) in 22nd. Sophomore Katie Whitney (27-ft, 9.25) was 24th in the shot put, 11th in the discus (91-ft, 11), and junior Sienna Zengerle (84-ft, 2) was 18th in the javelin.

Sophomore Anja Przybycien (11:11.21), senior Evelyn Wetherbee (12:46.60) and Gage (12:57.48) were 15th-17th in the steeplechase, sophomore Jennifer Belz (18.23) took 21st in the 100m hurdles with freshman Olive Twoey (18.45) in 25th.

Hoprich (12.24) won the 100m with sophomore Luna Moyer (12.98) taking 5th. Isla Twoey (49.06) was 9th in the 300m hurdles, freshman Kaci Kosek (2:41.98) was 32nd in the 800m, and Lauren Kosek (12:29.42) finished 13th in the 3200m.

The Lady Hornets took 3rd in the 4x100m relay (50.04), was 17th in the 4x400m relay (4:37.70) and 8th in the 4x800m relay (12:13.02).

The Hornets finished 14th in the boys' team standings with 17 points.

Senior David Seeling cleared 6-feet, 2-inches to take 2nd in the high jump, freshman Liam Stevens (17-ft, 11.75) took 21st in the long jump, senior Jonathan Carl (40-ft, 7) was 8th in the triple jump, sophomore Ransom Schultz (40-ft, 9) was 14th in the shot put, freshman Conlen Whitsell (107-ft, 7) placed 24th in the discus, and Schultz (127-ft, 8) was 19th in the javelin.

Senior Henry Nowak (8:33.06) was 20th in the steeplechase, sophomore Brayden Benjamin (17.19) was 12th in the 110m hurdles, Carl ran 11.78 to place 18th in the 100m, senior Max Macias (4:48.14) took 17th in the 1600m, senior Aaron Kirk (55.72) was 32nd in the 400m, Benjamin (46.94) finished 26th in the 300m hurdles, senior Jude Cuneo (2:01.92) took 8th in the 800m, Carl (23.51) was 9th in the 200m, and senior Henry Whitney (9:52.66) was 7th in the 3200m.

The Hornets took 9th in the 4x100m relay (45.99), 11th in the 4x400m relay (3:44.92) and were 4th in the 4x800m relay (8:18.96).

Both teams are back in action for their final regular season meet on Tuesday as Athens and Canton come to town.