Fillies win another Section 2-AAA title
Coming off a hard meet on Tuesday and the county meet looming on Saturday, Laurel Highlands girls coach Ron Morris decided to limit the number of events his athletes would run. The Fillies coach pulled the right buttons Thursday with a lot of athletes having a hand in a 128-22 victory over visiting Uniontown. The win clinched an undefeated season for the Fillies, 8-0, to go with another Section 2-AAA title after finishing 7-0.
“I did not allow anyone to participate in more than two events. It gave some kids a chance to shine and a chance to place,” Morris said. “We wanted them to place. There was no pressure on any particular time.”
Though cut back, several athletes did their usual workmanlike job. Mikie Monaghan won the 1,600 in a stadium record 5:13 and the 800 in 2:33.6. Diane Gmiter won the javelin (113-0) and the shot put (36-81/2) and Amanda Fuller finished first in the discus (94-5) to carry Laurel Highlands sweep of 27 throwing points.
The Fillies won all three relays and all but two individual events with nine different girls taking a first place. In addition to Monaghan and Gmiter, the other top finishers were Colbie Foreman (100 high hurdles), Emily Bota (100), Danielle LaPresta (400), Janelle Durany (long jump, triple jump) and Lauren Mahoney (pole vault).
“We had a lot of PRs (personal bests) today with a lot of kids,” Morris said.
With winning yet another section title, one might think taking home the WPIAL plaque might become old hat for Morris and the Fillies. Such is not the case, however.
“It never gets old. Each title has a different complexion to it. Each team has different strengths and weaknesses. You do the best you can with the talented kids you have. Both the boys and the girls have a good cycle of athletes,” Morris said.
Morris also lauded the senior leadership of the Fillies and the contribution the group of nine has made over their careers.
“Michol Monaghan, Diane Gmiter, Janelle Durany, Christina Cuppett, Amanda Hardison, Savannah DiMaio, Ashley Seaton and Lara Dowling are a special group. The exemplify what student-athletes are.”
Morris praised the effort of the Lady Red Raiders, saying, “Coach Manges does a good job with the limited numbers. The Uniontown girls performed well.”
Uniontown girls coach Bob Manges had a learning experience in his first year with himself as a coach and the growth of his team’s talents.
“I know what to expect. They know what to expect from me. There were growing pains. We had to get used to each other,” Manges said. “I think the team has a lot more confidence.”
The long-range goal for Manges was improvement of times and distances as the season progressed, and the meet with Laurel Highlands was another step in the right direction.
“The times have gotten better through the year. They showed me something today. I told them you can medal at the county meet and achieve something on Saturday,” Manges said.
Rebecca Geisel had a strong finish at the end of the 200 for first place in a time of 28.9. Stalwart distance runner Scarlett Graham won the 3,200.
Perhaps the toughest thing for Manges to handle was facing his alma mater, he’s a 1996 graduate, and watching his younger brother Chris run against the Red Raiders.
“He was tough in the 400. It was hard in the 200 because Nate Frezzell ran well and I didn’t want to root against Uniontown, but my brother was fighting for the win,” Manges explained.