First up, Artie "Knute" Gilkes became the PIAA Boys Indoor Coach of the Year with his Little Lions victory at the State Meet. Artie excels at coaching the jumps, of all things, but Nick K. tells us he gives a very good "Gipper" speech as well! Congrats Artie. And don't forget to golf this year!
While there is no video, I had the pleasure of hearing Artie’s pre-meet speech. He comprehensively laid out the scoring possibilities so the team could see for themselves what had to be done in a way that empowered them to take control of the outcome. No emotional BS.
(Steve) Shisler’s mission was to re-establish, in his words, “a culture of achievement.” Gilkes is extending and deepening that ethos. As an SC alumnus, I am really grateful the young athletes again have outstanding coaches - including the event coaches, who genuinely care about guiding kids to steeper life trajectories through track and field. During that championship Sunday, one could literally see guys mature and take a big step forward as they competed - not everything went as planned - and then put their hands on the prize. Inspiring! -Nick K.
Not to be outdone by Penn State Track and Field Alumni, two present team members garnered awards for the season as well.
Maddie Holmberg continued her great career and won the Mid-Atlantic Field Athlete of the Year. She then set a PR at the NCAA Championships to place 9th in the Pentathlon.
Last, but not least, Danae Rivers backed up her Mid Atlantic Track Athlete of the Year award by winning the 800M at the NCAA Championships!
Danae used the tried and true tactic used by Dave Wottle in 1972, even splits, which took her from the middle of the pack to the victory in dramatic fashion. Thus accentuating PSU is 800U!
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