Madison claims podium at PIAA championships as Fulton County athletes conclude season

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Track and Field Championships concluded on Saturday, May 23, at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium. The event marked the end of the competitive season for several athletes from Fulton County, with four individual competitors and a relay team from Southern Fulton High School taking part on Day 2 of the finals.

Southern Fulton sophomore Julia Madison secured a bronze medal in the girls 2A 800-meter race, finishing with a time of 2:15.43. The result represented a significant improvement for Madison, who placed 14th in the same event during her freshman year. Despite facing what she described as unruly cold and rainy conditions, Madison managed to secure a spot on the podium.

“I have to take the wins where they are,” Madison said. “I think in this moment I will take the win because I got on the podium. I didn’t get the PR that I wanted. I ran hard and I really tried. I got third and I still have junior and senior year, so I am excited.”

Madison, who recently won her second consecutive District 5-2A title, acknowledged the challenging weather conditions during the race. She noted that the cold made her feel faster than she actually was during the first lap, but she remained focused on her performance and future potential.

Other Southern Fulton athletes also completed their events on Day 2. Teammate Teagan Ritz finished 24th in the boys 2A 800 meters with a time of 2:00.64. The Southern Fulton 3200-meter relay team, comprising Ritz, George Hardy, Parker Oakman, and Viliamu Ah Loe, finished 24th with a time of 8:38.96.

In field events, McConnellsburg junior Braydon Mumma placed 20th in the 2A boys pole vault, clearing a height of 12 feet 6 inches. McConnellsburg junior Hoyt Glenn finished 25th in the 2A boys triple jump with a distance of 38 feet 7 inches.