Piperi keeps raising bar
Tripp doesn’t quit. The Woodlands’ Adrian ‘Tripp’ Piperi added to an already brilliant summer last week, following his national championship at the New Balance outdoor meet with another national title and an award.
The incoming senior was named Gatorade Texas Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year on Friday and then won the shot put crown at the USA Track & Field Junior Outdoor Championships on Saturday.
“Isn’t that just amazing?” The Woodlands coach Juris Green said.
Tripp won his second national title in as many weeks with a throw of 66 feet, 2½ inches using a heavier 6K (13.2 pounds) ball.
“I thought it would take a little bit more, but I am happy I made it to where I am today,” Piperi said in a release.
“I was a little nervous going up until I knew I was on the team.
“Last year, I kind of I kind of came in as an underdog. Getting all of that publicity really put a target on my back and I didn’t want to let anyone down, especially my parents and my coach. But I’m really proud of myself, and I know they are too.”
Green said he had a feeling Piperi was special as a freshman. He could already see the potential, but he didn’t know how far Piperi would take it, and he didn’t want Piperi to peak in high school.
“As a coach, I always want to see my guys who have that desire go into college and further develop and really shine at that level, and for high school to be a good stepping stone and a good experience,” Green said.
“But with Tripp, he just keeps going, and he’s so far surpassed everyone’s expectations already, except his own.”
That’s because Piperi, Green said, is driven by a love of competition.
“That’s what’s so exciting about watching him,” Green said. “It seems like the better competitions that we put him in, the better he gets, and that’s something that is really cool to watch.”
Piperi is the second Gatorade award winner at The Woodlands.
He follows distance runner Reed Connor, who was named Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year in 2009.
Piperi’s USA Junior title follows his recordbreaking performance at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor championship, where he established new personal and meet best throws with a 73-5¼.
Green said he’s not sure which national championship is bigger.
“That’s like looking at two $100 bills and trying to figure out which one is worth more,” he quipped.