Gia Babington And Brenna Armstrong Do Well In Their PIAA State Track And Field Championships

on 30 May, 2023 at 18:29

North Clarion’s Gia Babington and Brenna Armstrong performed well in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Track and Field State Championships, which were held Friday, May 26th and Saturday, May 27th, at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium.

**Photo by Seth Babington: Gia, with Coach Doug Jackson (Left) and Coach Ryan Cornecki**

Gia, a junior, finished 17th in the Class-2A 800 meters, turning in a time of 2:25.91. She qualified for the meet by finishing second in the District Nine Class-2A Championships. She beat the D9 champion at states.

Brenna, a sophomore, finished 16th in the Class-2A shot put with a heave of 34′-0.25.” She qualified for states by taking second in the District Nine Class-2A Championships. Brenna got to compete against her good friend, District Nine Class-2A Autumn Stewart a senior from Moniteau, who finished 11th in the shot put at 35′-2.25,” to close out her fine career.

**Photo by Tara Steele: Brenna with Coach Jackson and Coach Cornecki**

North Clarion Head Coach Doug Jackson had this to say, “We at North Clarion are so very proud of Gia Babington and Brenna Armstrong, not only for competing at States, but for their dedication and sportsmanship.

“Gia worked hard during the off-season, and the gains she made were noticeable. She proved herself to be the top female runner in D9 and one of the best in the state.

**Seth Babington Photo: Gia, with North Clarion’s and District Nine’s own Bonnie Wolbert in the background**

“Brenna worked her way back from injury. We weren’t even sure she would be able to compete at all this season. All she did was show she is one of the best shot putters in D9 and the state.

“No Personal Records were set and no medals won, but both girls performed admirably in their first state competition. I believe that experience will vault them into even better performances in the future. Again, we are very proud to have the privilege of working with such great young women and student athletes.

“I’d like to add that Ryan Cornecki is our throwing coach and Roxanne McFarland is our distance coach. They worked directly with these two fine athletes throughout the season and do a tremendous job.”

**Photo by Tara Steele: Brenna competing in the shot put**

Congratulations on a great season to Gia and Brenna!!!!

(Thanks to Coach Jackson for his comments and to Tara Steele and Seth Babington for their photos!!)