Butler trio head to states in same event

Butler trio head to states in same event

BUTLER TWP — Butler has a triple threat in the triple jump.
Lexis Frost, Meghan Studds and Hannah Williams all qualified in the event for the indoor track and field state meet Feb. 26 at Penn State University.
This marks the first time in the program's history that it has qualified more than one athlete in the same event for the state meet.
“It's extremely difficult to get athletes qualified for the state indoor meet in any event,” Butler coach Annessa Steele said. “The standards are very high.”
Paige Rittelmann (high jump) and Ava Bonetti (shot put) are the only other Butler girls to qualify for the meet. Evan Gomez (800) meters is the lone Tornado male qualifier.
The state qualifying standard for the indoor triple jump is 35 feet, 3 inches. Frost, a junior, has gone 36-6Z\x, senior Studds hit 35-9 and senior Williams reached 35-5.
Studs and Williams were teammates on the Butler volleyball team last fall.
“Since the end of volleyball season, those two have been focused on reaching states in the triple jump,” longtime Butler jumping coach John Williams said. “They've got the confidence and desire to get it done.”
Williams also is Hannah's father.
Frost has taken a different route. She ruptured her Achilles' in a gymnastics accident during the winter of 2009 and missed all of her sophomore track season, both indoor and outdoor.
Her first meet this season wasn't until last weekend, when she broke Butler's indoor triple jump record of 36-2, set by Sarah Thiebaud in 2005.
“I felt comfortable with my training and when I got on the track last week, I felt like I was all the way back,” Frost said. “Setting the school record? I didn't expect that to happen, but it gives me more confidence going into the state meet.”
Frost barely missed qualifying for the state meet in the 100-meter hurdles as well.




		Senior Hannah Williams of Butler will compete in the triple jump at the state indoor track and field meet Feb. 26 at Penn State. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Studs qualified in the long jump.
Studs has recorded an effort of 17-8 in the long jump, a mere inch off the indoor school mark of set by Natalie Irvin in 1999.
The top eight finishers in each event earn medals at the state meet.
“Our ultimate would be having all three of these girls medal,” Steele said. “They're all capable of it and I'd love to see it happen.
“It's going to take all three getting over 36 feet, maybe to 37 or so to pull it off,” she added
Williams has been competing in track and field since ninth grade. She admitted she started because her father was coaching.
“I was a scared freshman and I wanted protection from my dad,” she said. “I am pretty surprised it's worked out this well.”
Steele described her approach to indoor track as “more relaxed,” the season serving as a bridge to the outdoor competition.
The Tri-State Coaches Association meet is Feb. 19 at Edinboro University.
“We want to finish strong,” she said. “Being this far along with some of the marks we're turning in is a good sign.”