Wiltrout on the road to history

from every PIAA championshipmeet.

“The one where I threw 182 at states, I used to just lay there, stare at it and figure ‘how was I going to do that again?’” said Wiltrout. “I wondered how I did that? What wasmy mind thinking when I was able to do that? Those were probably the hardest days.

“My faith got me through a lot. Really, no one knew how hard it was other than my family. But then you just start saying to yourself, ‘You will andyou can.’”

And Wiltrout did. She wasn’t allowed to throw a javelin until the spring of her junior year, but she managed to recover enough to win a third PIAA title — on her final throwof the competition.

She’s still not at the level of two years ago, but her throw of 173-10 in a meet earlier this spring is still the best in the countrythis year.

But Wiltrout is dealing with pain in the elbow again. She said it’s from scar tissue andbecause of a surgical “button” used to tie her ligament together two years ago. She will have the button removed ina summer surgery.

Wiltrout, who will compete next season for the North Carolina Tar Heels, hasn’t thrown much in recent weeks becauseof the irritation in her elbow. She threw only once at the WPIAL championships lastweek, but her toss of 154-10 was plenty good to finish first. She is saving up for her final high school throws at the PIAAmeet.

“It’s nothing serious with my elbow,” said Wiltrout. “My mental capability is stronger than it’s ever been. Basically, I’m ready to fire one that I will just let loose. I know I’m capable of anything still. Mentally is what’s been bringingme through every throw.”

Historyawaits. Name Dan Coval Ron Smith Name School Event Janae Dunchack Northern Cambria High jump Ryann Krais Methacton 300 hurdles Karen Shump Penncrest Shot put Angela Hoover Bald Eagle Javelin Tiffany Abney Merion Mercy 400 Tiffany Abney Merion Mercy 300 hurdles Heather Colyer East Juniata Discus Kristy Dickson Reynolds High jump Julia Laiuvara Hanover 300 hurdles Adrienne Ashton Central Bucks East 400 Colleen Rosensteel Greensburg C.C. Discus Kathy Travers Wilmington Shot put Donna McLain Eastern York 1,600 Candy Young Beaver Falls 100 hurdles

Years 2007-10 2005-08 2005-08 2001-04 2000-03 2000-03 1994-97 1994-97 1991-94 1988-91 1982-85 1978-81 1977-80 1977-80 Sources: Post-Gazette and PIAA track and field historian Rod Frisco