The week that wasTrojan Mixed Relays: Scores / Recap Video The week aheadMonday - Practice Change Due to solar eclipse early dismissal, we are not permitted to have practice until after 5:00 PM. Here are the practice times on Monday:
Tuesday - Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Xtreme Photos @ 3:00 for $50. Available to whole team based on interest! Wednesday - Away Meet @ Yough (1-2) and Southmoreland (0-0), 3:30 PM; Dismissal at 1:30 PM Thursday - Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Friday - Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational @ Latrobe Only certain athletes qualify based on THIS YEAR'S PRs. Entries will be announced later in the week.
Saturday - Bill Wilt Memorial United Invitational
Alumni UpdateAshley Baker ('23) finished 2nd overall in the triple jump with a mark of 33' 10" at the Manchester University Track and Field Invitational on April 6th. At the UC Golden Eagle Invitational this past Friday, Tara Perry ('21) took second place in the high jump with a mark of 1.55 meters or at little over 5 feet. Her sister, Leah Perry ('21), hit a new personal best in the javelin with a mark of 24.79m or a little over 81 feet. On the track, Perry narrowly missed out on a PSAC-qualifying mark of her own, coming up just hundredths of a second shy of hitting the time in the 100 Hurdles. She won her heat and took ninth overall in the event with a time of 15.92, putting her close to the qualifying standard of 15.85. However, it did represent a huge improvement over her first two attempts at the event this spring, coming in nearly three-tenths of a second faster than her last competition. Photo of the Week
0 Comments
3 things1. Schedule Changes Due to weather, the meet at Mt. Pleasant has been moved to Thursday, April 18th. Because of this move, our home meet vs. Greensburg Central Catholic has been moved to Tuesday, April 16th. A decision regarding the mixed relays will be made Thursday evening. 2. Representation Matters As mentioned last week, we have high standards in our program with grades but also representation. If you wear DERRY across your chest, that means something. All athletes should be good citizens in and out of school. Judgments will be made on our team based on your actions in school and in the community. Swearing or vulgar language will not be tolerated. This reflects your character to a great degree, as well as reflects on the school district, your family, and your team. 3. Xtreme Photos Our Xtreme photo session is scheduled from 12-4 this Saturday, April 6th. If the weather doesn't cooperate, they can be taken inside. If you're interested, it's $50 and includes digital prints. The week that wasThe boys and girls track and field teams opened up section play against Frazier and Geibel Catholic yesterday at Trojan Stadium. Final scores for the girls were Derry 113, Frazier 36 and Derry 129 and Geibel 29. First place overall winners included: the 4 by 800 team of Ella Kubiak, Mikah Horwat, Teryn Nuttall, and Tessa Hayes; Reigna Taylor in the 100 meter hurdles and pole vault; Jane Huss in the mile and 800; the 4 by 100 team of Emily Laughlin, Adalyn O'Hanlon, Julia Mucci, and Julia Omlor; Alayna Williams in the 400; Horwat in the 2 mile; Sophia Mazzoni in the shot put, discus, and javelin; and Regan Repak in the high jump. Special shoutout goes to Sophia Mazzoni for breaking her own record in the javelin with a new school record toss of 156 feet 10 inches, which is now the number 1 javelin throw in the state and number 3 in the country. Final scores for the boys were Derry 132, Frazier 17 and Derry 143, Geibel 1. First place overall winners included: the 4 by 800 team of T.D. Murawski, Seth Swisher, Aiden Dorazio, and Ian Upole; Timmy Miller in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles; Ricky Daniels in the 100 and javelin; Logan Corbett in the mile and 800; the 4 by 100 team of Daniels, Miller, Anthony Frank, and Brady Aliff; Gabe Gess in the 400; Murawski in the 2 mile; Aiden Piper in the shot and disc; Jeremiah Gess in the pole vault; and Stanley Rajkovich in the high, long, and triple jump. Stanley's triple jump mark of 40 feet 9 inches is currently number 37 in the state and number 2 among all freshmen. The week aheadMonday - NO SCHOOL Tuesday - Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Wednesday - Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Thursday - Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Friday - Trojan Mixed Relays Saturday - OFF; Xtreme Photos at NOON Alumni NewsAt the Raleigh Invitational, Tara Perry ('21) jumped 1.55 meters in the high jump to win the event and took fourth in the 100 meter hurdles with a time of 16.26 seconds. Ashley Baker ('23) finished 3rd overall in the triple jump with a mark of 32' 4.75" at the Tiffelberg Open. At the Carnegie Mellon Invite ,Leah Perry ('21) placed ninth in the long jump with a mark of 4.84 meters and also placed ninth in the 100m hurdles with a time of 16.21 seconds. Photo of the Week3 things1. Start of Competition Season This week marks the end of prep season and the beginning of competition season. What this means is we will have 1-2 meets per week and an emphasis on team takes top priority. If you are placed in an event, the expectation is that you will compete in said event for the betterment of the team. First meet is Wednesday at home vs. Frazier & Geibel at 4:00! 2. Mixed Relay Sponsors On April 5, 2024 the Booster Club will host the first Trojan Mixed Relays at Trojan Stadium. This is a major fundraiser for the Derry Area Track & Field team, and your contribution will directly cover event costs and the student-athletes this season. For this event, we are seeking 10 businesses to be Event Sponsors where your company will have its logo displayed around the facility and will be announced prior to the event beginning on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like your $100 donation to be picked up, please email head coach Mark Curcio for arrangements, or they can be mailed or dropped off at the High School Office before Wednesday, April 3, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Curcio at [email protected]. Thank you to our 9 sponsors thus far:
3. Academic Priority On the Derry Area track and field team, we prioritize academic success alongside athletic achievement. Our standard is higher than the school's policy of two failing classes. If you are failing two or more classes, you are ineligible for the entire week (practices and meets), but if you have an F in ANY classes, you will NOT compete in the next meet. Since 2012, our team has consistently boasted a high GPA, with many athletes graduating in the top 15-20%, earning academic scholarships, and/or thriving in their careers. Simply put: take care of your academic responsibilities. We train from 3-5 for competitions, but from 8-3, focus on your studies. Utilize our coaching staff for support; we have expertise in various subjects. If you're struggling academically, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Remember, failure to address academic challenges is unacceptable. Communicate with us early to ensure success both on and off the track. The week that wasShoutout to the Trojans of the Week as chosen by each event coach. These athletes stood out because of accomplishments, good attitudes, and/or solid efforts consistently throughout the week.
Congrats to Senior Shyanne Hornbaker for earning the Latrobe Business & Professional Women's Student of the Month! Top Three 3x150m 400 Predictor Times (3/22):
The week aheadMonday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00; Warm-up jackets will be distributed at 4:00. Jackets will be held until payment is paid in full Tuesday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Wednesday: Home vs. Frazier/Geibel, 4:00 Thursday: 3:00 - 4:45 (Distance, Jumps, and Throws) Friday: 9:00 - 10:30 AM (Sprints/Hurdles); 3:00 - 4:45 (Distance, Jumps & Throws) Saturday: OFF Alumni NewsAlumnus Leah Perry ('21) had a competitive showing in the 100H in the first outdoor meet of her collegiate season, placing ninth in the field with a time of 16.27. That was the best individual finish of the day for any Clarion Golden Eagle track athletes. She also placed 15th in the Long Jump with a mark of 4.54m (14.89 feet). Her twin sister, Tara Perry ('21), made her season debut in the High Jump for Wheeling University. She would start off strong, reaching a height of 1.53 meters (5 feet) to take eighth in the field, finishing .03 meters below the height she hit at last season's MEC Championship event. Photo of the Week3 Things1. Concession Stand Parents/Guardians: Here is the plan for the concession stand this season. We only have four events this season.
2. Next Boosters Meeting Our next parents boosters meeting is this Thursday, March 21st at 6:00 PM in E300 near the HS library. Upcoming events, plans, and team issues will be discussed and voted upon. All are invited and encouraged to attend! 3. Practices As per our team rules: We cannot work with athletes who are not here every day. You cannot improve unless you are here. Numerous studies show that an athlete will simply work harder and longer when accompanied by other athletes of similar caliber. You get 3 unexcused absences. After 3, you will be dismissed from the team. According to the DASD Handbook, an excused absence includes: personal illness, quarantine, death in the immediate family, appearance in court, emergency permit due to physical or mental handicaps, impassable roads, preapproved family trips, or exceptionally urgent reasons approved by the head coach. Sprinters, Jumpers, Throwers, & Distance start at 3:00 and end at 4:30/5:00 or whenever your event coach dismisses you. All athletes are expected to arrive to practice on-time. Things may happen that will result in a tardy or absence. When these things occur, it is the athletes responsibility to inform Coach Curcio immediately via Remind. The week that wasShoutout to the Trojans of the Week as chosen by each event coach. These athletes stood out because of accomplishments, good attitudes, and/or solid efforts consistently throughout the week.
The week aheadMonday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Tuesday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Wednesday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Thursday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00; Parents Boosters Meeting at 6:00 in HS E300 Friday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Photo of the Week3 Things1. Team Photos Team photos are Monday, March 11th for everyone. We will do team and group pictures first, followed by the individuals. This year, Timeless Photography is taking the pictures and they use an online ordering system HERE. They offer two choices:
If you want to order extreme photos, they cost $50 and will be taken at a later date. We need a minimum of 15-20 to schedule. We just need a head count now and then if we hit the minimum, a date will be scheduled. All athletes will take regular photos for the yearbook on Monday. If you have ANY questions, please call them at 724-600-0200. 2. Athletic Performance We always say that we train track and field athletes for up to 10 hours per week, the other 158 are up to them. There are three basic pillars to athletic performance off the track and field: Sleep - Recommendations for athletes range between seven and nine hours nightly. This is the #1 thing under your control. Set alarms on your phone to help. If you wake up at 6:00 AM for school, set an alert that says "Go to Bed" for 9 or 10. Rest is best. Hydration - When you work out, practice, or compete, you sweat a lot. If you don't drink enough water, you can dehydrate causing your physical and mental performance to be affected. The amount of water recommended depends on body weight, but the general rule of thumb is to drink about half your weight (in pounds) in ounces. So if you weigh 100 lbs, you aim for 50 oz. of water. Here is a useful website. Diet - This one is obvious, but it happens all the time. We are not nutritionists, but the analogy rings true: you need gas in your car for it to go. Below are awesome resources for student-athletes, but we recommend making small changes every week: pack a pre-practice snack this week, focus on breakfast the week after, etc. 3. Trojan Mixed Relays It's official. On Friday, April 5th, we will be hosting the Trojans Mixed Relays which features 7 track and 6 field events involving relay teams of 2 boys and 2 girls. As of right now, 7 teams are registered including us. Because we are the host and the event is athlete-centered, we are holding an event t-shirt design contest. Please design what the front of our shirts should look like and give it to Coach Curcio by the end of the week. The team will then vote on the best design! Here are some example of invite t-shirts for inspiration: The week that wasShoutout to the Trojans of the Week as chosen by each event coach. These athletes stood out because of accomplishments, good attitudes, and/or solid efforts consistently throughout the week:
The speed group took a variety of speed tests during the first week. The top three in each test were as followed:
The week aheadMonday: Team Photos Tuesday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Wednesday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Thursday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Friday: Practice, 3:00 - 4:30/5:00 Saturday: Speed and Distance Groups, 9:00 AM Photo of the Week3 Things1. First Week of Practice Monday (3/4) makes the official first day of practice for the spring 2024 season. Due to the size of the team, we are meeting with each gender on two separate days. Monday will be the BOYS team only and Tuesday will be the GIRLS team only. On Wednesday onward, the entire team will meet daily unless specified by your event coach. Please meet down at the track by 3:00 PM sharp. 2. Warm-Ups As per the parent boosters, all student-athletes who attended the Lift-A-Thon last week will be getting their warm-up jacket and name embroidered for the first order. If you didn't attend the lift-a-thon and still want a jacket, you must pay the boosters $50 by Friday (3/8), which was the minimum requirement for the fundraiser. Members of the boosters will be at practices this week to get sizes. 3. Team Photos We are planning on doing uniforms Friday, March 8th followed by practice. Because of this, team photos will be on Monday, March 11th for everyone. We will do the team pictures first, followed by the individuals. What's new this year is Timeless Photography is offering optional extreme sessions for $50, which will include a digital download of their images, including a team photo from regular photo day. In order for this to happen, a minimum of 16-20 students need to be interested. The week that was
The week aheadMonday
GIRLS ONLY, 3:00 practice Wednesday ENTIRE TEAM - 3:00 practice Thursday Practice, 3:00 Friday
Photo of the Week3 things1. First Week of Practice The first official day of practice is Monday, March 4th. However, we are meeting with the girls and boys teams separately. Monday, March 4th will be the boys team only. We will meet at the track at 3:00 PM to discuss team expectations and goals, then have a practice. On Tuesday, March 5th, it will be the girls team only. Wednesday, March 6th onward, it will be combined as always, unless your event coach says otherwise. 2. Team Photos We are planning on doing uniforms Friday, March 8th followed by practice. Because of this, team photos will be on Monday, March 11th for everyone. We will do the team pictures first, followed by the individuals. What's new this year is Timeless Photography is offering optional extreme sessions for $50, which will include a digital download of their images, including a team photo from regular photo day. In order for this to happen, a minimum of 16-20 students need to be interested. 3. Mixed Relays Last year's event was cancelled due to weather, but we are trying again. The 2024 Trojan Mixed Relays will be Friday, April 5th at 4:00. Each relay and field event team will consist of 2 boys and 2 girls. For more information, click HERE. The week that was
The week aheadMonday Distance will practice 3:05-4:30 with Coach Rager. Tuesday Distance will practice 3:05-4:30 with Coach Rager. Wednesday Distance will practice 3:05-4:30 with Coach Rager. Girls Lift-a-Thon will begin at 5:00 PM in the Fitness Center. This required fundraiser will see what each student-athlete can accumulatively lift in the hex-bar deadlift, bench press, and back squat. Everyone is to raise at least $50. The team goal to raise $7,000 to purchase warm-up jackets. Thursday Distance will practice 3:05-4:30 with Coach Rager. Boys Lift-a-Thon will begin at 5:00 PM in the Fitness Center. This required fundraiser will see what each student-athlete can accumulatively lift in the hex-bar deadlift, bench press, and back squat. Everyone is to raise at least $50. The team goal to raise $7,000 to purchase warm-up jackets. Friday Distance will practice 3:05-4:30 with Coach Rager. Photo of the Week |
NewsWeekly Check-Ins, Meet Recaps, and everything else DA Track & Field! 2024 SCHEDULE
3/27 Home vs. Geibel & Frazier 4/5 Trojan Mixed Relays 4/10 Away vs. Yough & Southmoreland 4/12 Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational @ Latrobe 4/13 Bill Wilt Memorial Invitational @ United 4/16 Home vs. GCC – Senior Meet 4/18 Away vs. Mt. Pleasant & Ligonier Valley 4/19 Butler Invitational @ Butler 4/22 Section 8AA Championship @ Derry 4/25 Westmoreland County Coaches Association Championships @ Latrobe 5/3 Altoona Mt. Lion Track & Field Classic @ Altoona |