So far in 2026, many State High female track and field athletes have been setting records for themselves and State High history. Many athletes train hard during the season and offseason to be the best they can be and are reaching top-10 spots in State High track and field history. All statistics are the most updated from Athletic NET following the meet against Central Dauphin. 

Shotput 

On Tuesday, March 24, State High hosted a home meet at the South Track against Central Dauphin. At that meet, junior Alyssa Lipski took the No. 4 spot in State High’s top 10 for shot put. Lipski’s record is currently 35 feet, 11 inches (10.95 meters), and she continues to aim to improve and beat her own record. 

A lot of training, determination, and discipline are needed to set these records.

“I tried to have very set goals going in, and it’s a good thing because you have that motivation to do well. It is also knowing personally this is what I want, this is where I’m going, and having that focus every practice is helpful,” Lipiski said. 

Besides having goals and putting your mind to it, athletes have to work consistently and want it like in any sport, especially when it comes to setting records in State High history. 

“I’m practicing every day in and out of practice. It’s not just, let me try to half practice. It’s lifting in the offseason, it’s over the summer, I do extra drills every night, just make sure you are taking time to recover. Just doing a little more every day beyond what is expected of you from the coaches,” Lipiski said. 

Discus 

On Saturday, March 28, State High traveled to Altoona to participate in the Igloo Invitational. At that meet, Lipski set the school record in the discus. She currently holds the record at 138 feet, 3 inches (42.14 meters).

Lipski is still aiming to improve her mark and maintain her No. 1 ranking. “There are so many female athletes at the school right now, and because of that, yes, I have it, but I have to continue working because it’s not a set and stone wrap,” Lipski said. 

Lipski continues to stay motivated by setting higher goals and pushing to make history. 

“Instead of a school record, which was my goal for a while… It’s now what’s the next mark to beat in the state? You always have to shoot for something,” Lipski said. 

100-Meter Hurdles 

When State High hosted Central Dauphin, sophomore Lauren Craft took the No. 10 spot in State High’s top 10 for the 100-meter hurdles. Craft’s record is currently 16.43 seconds. 

This is just the beginning of Crafts’ journey to set records. She hoped to continue improving and eventually reach the top.

“I’m eventually hoping to break the school record, that’s my goal, hopefully by my senior year, I will have broken the school record,” Craft said.

To achieve big goals like this, athletes have to train and put in their best effort. Craft shared that she is already training and will continue to push herself to set a personal record and help the team win.

“I’m really hoping that as a team we win states this year, so I’ve been working since the summer. I ran cross country, and I did all the run plans this year. I lifted a lot more, which made a big difference, and I’ve been trying to train with some of the faster people on our team too,” Craft said.

With setting records comes a strong sense of accomplishment. Being rewarded while working hard for something is one of the best feelings. 

“It’s definitely exciting, it’s crazy, I didn’t really anticipate this happening. I had a really surprising season this year, and I wasn’t expecting to do as well as I am, so I’m hoping to continue the momentum,” Craft said.

100-Meter Sprints 

Also at the Central Dauphin meet at State High, junior Sadie Kocher took the No. 7 spot in State High’s top 10 for the 100-meter sprint. Kocher’s record is currently 12.51 seconds. She also holds the No. 1 spot in the 200-meter sprint, which she achieved at the PIAA District VI Championship in 2025. 

The track program at State High has strong coaching and structure, which Kocher credits for her success. 

“I know the coaches raised a really good program, so I think my times reflect the hard work the coaches put in,” Kocher said. 

Training is a critical part of reaching these records. Kocher emphasized consistency as key to improvement. 

“I train six months out of the whole year, so just showing up to practice every day is important,” Kocher said. 

The girls track and field team celebrated its final day of regular season practice yesterday, April 29, and now moves into postseason preparations.