Bitonti places 4th in javelin
California's Marissa Bitonti sprints down the runway in the Class AA javelin preliminary round Friday afternoon in the PIAA Track & Field Championships at Shippensburg University's Seth Grove Stadium. Bitonti threw 134-4 on her last attempt in the prelims for a spot in the finals.
Beth-Center's Kennedy Kuhns throws the javelin in her flight of the Class AA preliminary round Friday afternoon in the PIAA Track & Field Championships at Shippensburg University's Seth Grove Stadium.
Jim Downey | Herald-Standard
California’s Marissa Bitonti follows through on a throw in the preliminary round of the Class AA javelin Friday afternoon in the PIAA Track & Field Championships at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium. Bitonti placed fourth with a throw of 134-4.
Beth-Center's Kennedy Kuhns (left) and California's Marissa Bitonti warm up under the watchful eye of a PIAA official before their flight of the Class AA javelin Friday afternoon in the PIAA Track & Field Championships at Shippensburg University's Seth Grove Stadium.
SHIPPENSBURG — On a day when smiles filled Seth Grove Stadium, California’s Marissa Bitonti’s was as bright as the afternoon sun when she stood on the PIAA Track & Field Championships award stand Friday afternoon.
The senior finished fourth in the Class AA javelin with a throw of 134-4 to cap her career with her first PIAA medal.
“I really wanted to medal. It’s the last track meet of my life,” said Bitonti.
Bitonti and Beth-Center’s Kennedy Kuhns threw in the second of three flights. Bitonti hit 134-4, a personal best, on the final throw of the prelims.
“I was really nervous on my first throw. Then, on my last two I told myself this is the last time I get to throw (in a high school meet), so I might as well throw it,” explained Bitonti.
Bitonti posted her mark and had to sit through one more round of preliminary throws.
“I was really nervous, but super excited I got a PR,” said Bitonti, who was third entering the finals.
She was unable to top her prelim best and slid down to fourth place.
“I think my arm got tired and the wind took me, too,” said Bitonti.
Kuhns did not advance to the finals, finishing tied for 18th with a top throw of 111-10.
Bitonti said throwing in the same flight as Kuhns helped.
“Having her by my side really helped. We’re good friends,” said Bitonti.
Now, she sets off to college this fall.
“I’m going to the University of Pittsburgh to major in bio-engineering,” closed Bitonti.