CLANCY CLAIMS 2nd STRAIGHT PIAA CHAMPIONSHIP
Monday, May 26, 2014
The Valley Independent
by Rick Bruni Jr.
Kailyn Clancy throws shot put at PIAA Saturday, May 24, Shppensburg University
Kailyn Clancy might not look the part of a shot put ace.
At 5-foot-9, the Iowa State recruit admits she’s normally among the smaller throwers in her event.
But the California Area senior loomed large Saturday by winning her second straight state title in the shot put during the PIAA Class AA championships at Shippensburg University.
Clancy’s toss of 45 feet, 6¾ inches was good enough for gold, although her first attempt sailed more than 50 feet after her toe crossed the foul line.
Clancy entered her final high school event with a personal best of 46-10. Addy Knezter of Chartiers-Houston placed second with a toss of 42-4¾.
“I was really excited to win again but I did want to throw farther, but I still had a good enough throw to win,” Clancy said. “I guess some people are still surprised I could throw that far because I’m not really that big compared to some of the others.”
Clancy seemed to get as much satisfaction with garnering a medal Friday in the discus. She placed sixth in the discus with a throw of 125-4.
She was the WPIAL’s top performer in the event.
“Last year I fouled on all three of my (discus) throws, so it meant a lot to experience my last high school meet and come home with two medals,” she said. “I don’t like to go in thinking that I’m the best or anything like that. I just focus on my throws.”
Clancy said she will attend Iowa State this fall on both academic and athletic scholarships.
“I’m really excited to go there because I like the school and like the coach,” she said. “I’ve been talking to the coach and he thinks I could try the hammer throw. Of course, I’ll have to work on technique and get a little stronger.”