With spring (technically) underway, spring sports have begun to take place around Juniata, the Tri Valley League, and the state. The largest spring sport that JHS offers is track and field. Supported by nearly 120 athletes from grades 9-12, the boys’ and girls’ teams are both powerhouses within the league, as well as District VI. In the 2017 season, the boys’ team brought home the TVAA title, and members of both teams advanced to districts at Mansion Park, in Altoona. Juniata proudly sent 25 athletes to districts last year, with many competing in multiple events. Two athletes, then-freshman Garrett Baublitz, and junior Sydney Sheaffer, advanced to the state meet held at Shippensburg University. They competed in the 1600 meter run, and the high jump, respectively. Garrett placed sixth in the finals, setting the school record to 4:19.76. Sydney Sheaffer also finished in a three-way tie for fifth place, jumping at a height of 5’4”. 

Juniata High School has a long history of successful track teams throughout its history. The program was started in 1977, by then-head coach, Gary Klingensmith. After coaching for thirty years, as well as being head-coach of the football team, Coach Klingensmith passed on the reigns to his daughter, current head coach Kim Hart in 2007. Juniata has won the TVAA championship 22 times, 9 times by the girls’ team, and 13 times by the boys’. Jeremy Wagner is also a Juniata PIAA State Champ in the 100 meter and 200 meter run, setting the state record in the 200 at 21.67 seconds. Wagner was declared a state champion three years in a row, in both events, from 1996 through 1998. 

Overall, Coach Hart is proud of how the team and its’ members are performing.   Due to the rainy weather, many meets have been rescheduled, and the team has a rather busy itinerary in the next few weeks. The TVAA Meet at Susquenita is scheduled for 5/9, District VI meets at Mansion Park, Altoona are scheduled for 5/15, and States are 5/25 and 5/26 at Shippensburg University. The track team would like to thank everyone for their support throughout past seasons, and your continued support this year! We Are... Big Red!