Waynesburg’s Jocelyn Lindsay decides to attend Purdue
Seniors across the nation are scrambling around; making the decision that will forever hold their future with the selection of a college. Waynesburg Central senior Jocelyn Lindsay is party to the same dilemmas shared by so many, but her decision was further complicated with the addition of what school she would vault for the next four years.
The three-time (and only) WPIAL Class AA girls’ gold medalist whittled the field to two schools – the University of Houston and Purdue University – before deciding she would be a Boilermaker for the next four years.
As expected, both schools were in the hunt and the decision was a difficult one for Lindsay.
“I like both places. No matter what decision I would’ve made, it would’ve been the right decision,” Lindsay said. “I visited both schools twice. Purdue is like a bigger home away from home to me.”
Lindsay’s early lean is towards being a pilot and Purdue has a well-known aviation department.
Despite the district, state and national success she has had, Lindsay sort of found Purdue instead of the other way around.
“I was looking up information about pole vaulters and found out there was a good one at Purdue. I called them, but the pole vault coach was in transition. The new coach found my number and called.”
Lindsay competed in the WPIAL Class AA southern qualifier Tuesday, but weather and numbers (only four girls) allowed for her to advance to the finals without even vaulting as she looks to become the four-time champion in the first four years the girls’ pole vault has been held.
“I would like to be WPIAL champion again,” conceded Lindsay. “Four years in a row is a good honor.”
She added a second event to her repertoire when she qualified in the long jump by placing second. According to Lindsay, the two events are compatible.
“The long jump was different, a little break. It helps with the pole vault steps and speed.”
Not surprisingly, Lindsay won’t be alone in next Tuesday’s WPIAL Championships. Other Raiders to qualify include Nathan Freedman (pole vault), Derek Mears (discus, shot put), Helen Higgins (discus, shot put), Frank Bryan (800), the girls 3,200 relay team and Jodi Riggs (triple jump).