Ayden Schilb (Vail Vipers Photo)
USATF Hershey National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships
July 24-30: Lawrence, Kansas
Over two dozen athletes from the Vail Vipers, Tucson Elite, AZ Titans and Adrenaline track clubs took part in the USATF Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships held last week in Lawrence, Kansas.
Trayvion White-Austin, Tony Torres and Neysia Howard all finished in the top ten while Cienega freshman Ayden Schilb brought home a national championship in the 1,500 for the 13-14 age group.
“Ayden started at age ten with the Vipers,” his club coach Christina Pena said. “He works extremely hard at what he loves and that’s to run. He sets a goal and makes it happen.”
According to Pena, Schilb has won every 1,500 and 1,600 meter race he has competed in this year and he set a personal record in the 1,500 at nationals.
“Ayden is a well-rounded and very humble athlete,” Pena added. “After every race, he would not walk off the track until he shook everyone’s hand and said good job. Now he’s headed to Cienega and we are just glad that we were able to prepare him for the next level.”
NATIONAL CHAMPION
Ayden Schilb, Cienega (Vail Vipers) 13-14 1500, 4:08.14
ALL-AMERICANS
6: Neysia Howard, Tucson (Tucson Elite) 17-18 Long Jump, 18-7.25
8: Tony Torres, Ironwood Ridge (Tucson Elite) 17-18 1500, 4:07.63
TOP TEN
9: Trayvion White-Austin, Sahuaro (Tucson Elite) 17-18 Long Jump, 22-6.50
REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS
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Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA as the top high school reporter in 2014 and he was awarded the Ray McNally Award in 2017 and he has been a youth, high school and college coach for over 30 years. His own children have won multiple state high school championships and were named to all-state teams. Competing in hockey, basketball, baseball and track & field in high school, his unique perspective can only be found here and on AZPreps365.com. Andy was named a Local Hero by the Tucson Weekly for 2016. Contact Andy Morales at AMoralesMyTucson@yahoo.com
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