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Norwin track and field given Shining Stars recognition

The Knights boys and girls track and field teams captured WPIAL gold in the spring

Thu Jul 03, 2025 - 10:45AM

Westmoreland Sports Network Westmoreland Sports Network
Pictured From L-R: Jeff Mikell (Smail Kia), Jeremiah Francis, Karina Karadus, Myla McCabe, Sauly Guyaux, Mel Schmidt, Annie Czajkowski, Coach Tim Van Horn.Pictured From L-R: Jeff Mikell (Smail Kia), Jeremiah Francis, Karina Karadus, Myla McCabe, Sauly Guyaux, Mel Schmidt, Annie Czajkowski, Coach Tim Van Horn.

Last Updated: Thu Jul 03, 2025 - 1:54AM

It was a spring to remember for Norwin track and field, as both the boys and girls teams captured gold. On May 6, the Knights swept the WPIAL Class 3A Track and Field Championships at West Mifflin Area High School.

The Norwin boys edged runner-up Butler Area 77-73, and also defeated North Allegheny (78-72) and Mount Lebanon (118.33-31.66). In the process, the Norwin boys captured their first team district crown since 1977.

Norwin was led by Ryan Schiller, who took first in both the 110-meter and 300 hurdles, while Luke Simpson won the 800, Nicholas Bognar prevailed in the long jump, Nicholas Puskar won the pole vault, and Dane Petrarco claimed first in the discus.

A week later, Schiller also took first at WPIAL Class 3A boys individual competition in the 110-meter hurdles, as he finished at 14.30.

While the Norwin boys were winning their first title in nearly 50 years, the Knights girls outpaced North Allegheny 83-67, and also bested Butler Area (92.50-57.50) and South Fayette (107-43). The Norwin girls last reigned atop the WPIAL in 2008.

Brandi Brozeski finished first in the 100 hurdles, the triple jump, and the high jump, Melani Schmidt won the 100, 200, and 400, Annie Czajkowski reigned supreme in the 800 and 1600, and the Knights finished atop the 4x400 relay.

Under the tutelage of head coach Tim Van Horn, both the boys and girls also compiled perfect 6-0 section marks during the campaign.

To help recognize both teams capturing this rare feat, a $500 donation will be given to the Norwin track and field as part of the Shining Stars program from Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmorelnad Sports Network.

ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a program formed by Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with both receiving funding to assist their booster programs. The program has now contributed over $13,000 to local teams.