Name: Alexis Bansah
School: Winchester Thurston AA
Grade: 10th
PIAA Event Seed: Triple Jump 1st & Long Jump 8th
Personal Best (PB): Triple Jump 40-2 & Long Jump 18-6 1/2
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: Alexis has been one of the most consistent triple jumpers in the WPIAL during the 2025 season. With the PIAA state record standing at 40 feet, 3½ inches, she has the talent and determination to challenge that mark while also claiming the gold medal.
Name: Oumou Thiero
School: Quaker Valley AA
Grade: 11th
PIAA Event Seed: High Jump #1
Personal Best (PB): 5-8
PIAA Results from Last Year: High Jump 3rd place
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: Oumou claimed the WPIAL championship with a personal record of clearing 5 feet, 8 inches in the high jump. She enters the PIAA state meet as the top-ranked AA girls’ high jumper in Pennsylvania and has all the potential to add a PIAA gold medal to her collection in 2025
Name: Tori Atkins
School: Laurel AA
Grade: 12th
PIAA Event Seed: 100m 4th, 200m 3rd, 400m 1st
Personal Best (PB): 100m 11.93, 200m 24.20, 400m 54.95
PIAA Results from Last Year: 100m 8th, 200m 6th, 400m 1st.
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: The defending AA girls’ state champion in the 400-meter dash is coming off one of the most remarkable performances in WPIAL history—claiming four gold medals and setting a WPIAL record all in the same day. She will once again attempt the sprint trifecta at the PIAA Championships, and she has the potential to challenge the current PIAA AA girls’ state meet record of 54.27 seconds this weekend.
Name: Anna McKinley
School: Shenango AA
Grade: 10th
PIAA Event Seed: Shot Put 5th, Javelin 11th, Discus 2nd
Personal Best (PB): Discus 130-2, Javelin 122-2, Shot Put 39-11
PIAA Results from Last Year: Shot Put 4th place
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: Anna is set for a busy weekend at Shippensburg, competing in all three throwing events, and she has the potential to walk away with three medals. Coming off a personal record in the discus last week, she has the ability to throw even farther and make a strong push for a state championship title.
Name:Jaxon Schoedel
School: Mohawk AA
Grade: 12
PIAA Event Seed: 1600m 1st & 3200m 1st
Personal Best (PB): 1600m 4:11.04 & 3200m 8:59.09
PIAA Results from Last Year: 1600m 3rd & Defending 3200m PIAA State Champ 1st place.
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: One of the top distance runners in the state of Pennsylvania, Jaxon will look to defend his 3200-meter title, add the 1600-meter crown to his growing résumé, and challenge the AA boys’ 3200-meter state meet record of 9:04.09, which has stood since 1997.
Name: Daysaun Spencer
School: Brentwood AA
Grade:10th
PIAA Event Seed: Triple Jump 1st
Personal Best (PB): Triple Jump 46-7 3/4
PIAA Results from Last Year: Triple Jump 8th place
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: Daysaun rose to the occasion at the WPIAL Championships with a massive leap of 46 feet, 7¾ inches to win the WPIAL title in the triple jump. Now, in only his sophomore season, he enters the PIAA Championships as the No. 1 seed and a strong contender for state gold.
Name: DeJuan Croumbles-Booker
School: Neighborhood Academy AA
Grade: 12th
PIAA Event Seed: 100m 5th & 200m 20th
Personal Best (PB):100m- 10.72 & 200m 22.35
PIAA Results from Last Year: 100 m 9th
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: DeJuan has come on strong this May, closing out his senior season with a surge of momentum heading into the state championships. Currently ranked 5th in the state, he remains focused and determined—ready to chase his goals and make a run to the top of the podium this weekend.
Name: Davin Gartley
School: Quaker Valley AA
Grade: 12th
PIAA Event Seed: 110H 1st & 300H 2nd
Personal Best (PB): 110H 14.20 & 300H 38.15
PIAA Results from Last Year: 110H 6th & 300H 9th
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: Davin heads into the PIAA Championships as the No. 1 seed in the AA boys’ 110-meter hurdles and the No. 2 seed in the 300-meter hurdles, capping off what has been a historic senior season. His performances have not only dominated the WPIAL but also placed him among the elite hurdlers in Pennsylvania. With the opportunity to earn three gold medals and lead his team to a state title, Davin is poised to finish his high school career on a high note—leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest hurdlers in WPIAL history.
Name: Claire Conti
School: Fox Chapel AAA
Grade: 11th
PIAA Event Seed: Discus 2nd & Shot Put 16th
Personal Best (PB): Discus 137-0 & Shot Put 37-10 1/2
PIAA Results from Last Year: Discus 9th
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: Following a standout performance at the WPIAL Finals, Claire enters the PIAA Championships with confidence and momentum. As one of the top contenders in the AA girls’ discus, she brings a personal best of 137 feet—and the potential to throw even farther when it matters most. With her focus, form, and determination peaking at the right time, Claire is ready to make a serious push for the podium on the biggest stage of the season.
Name: Sophia Mazzoni
School: Derry AAA
Grade: 12th
PIAA Event Seed: Javelin 3rd
Personal Best (PB): Javelin 161-10
PIAA Results from Last Year: Javelin AA PIAA State Champ
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: After her school moved up to AAA this season, Sophia Mazzoni—the 2024 AA girls’ javelin state champion—has continued to excel. She enters the 2025 PIAA Championships ranked third in the state, but rankings are just numbers. That seeding is only fueling her competitive fire. With her talent, experience, and determination, Sophia is poised to deliver a standout performance and leave her mark in PIAA history as one of the top female javelin throwers Pennsylvania has ever seen.
Name: Sylvia Kashak
School: Thomas Jefferson AAA
Grade: 12
PIAA Event Seed: 800m 6th
Personal Best (PB): 800m 2:13.06
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: One of the most consistent and disciplined middle-distance runners in Pennsylvania, Sylvia Kashak heads into her final high school race as the No. 6 seed in the AAA girls’ 800-meter run. Known for her front-running style, Sylvia has dominated much of the season by leading wire to wire and winning the majority of her races from the front. At the 2025 PIAA Championships, she’ll face her toughest competition yet—with a tightly packed field where just two seconds separate the top ten runners. With her experience, grit, and race strategy, Sylvia is ready to leave it all on the track and close out her high school career with a performance to remember.
Name: Scoop Smith
School: Woodland Hills AAA
Grade:11
PIAA Event Seed: 100m 5th
Personal Best (PB): 100m 10.62
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: Despite having fewer races under his belt this season than anyone else in the field, Scoop enters the PIAA AAA boys’ 100-meter dash ready to make a statement. With a personal best of 10.62 seconds, he’s aiming to lower that mark and challenge for the state title on the biggest stage of the season. Winning under pressure is nothing new for him—after claiming titles at both the Baldwin Invitational and the WPIAL Finals, Scoop has proven he’s more than ready for any challenge that comes his way.
Name: Aaron Taylor
School: Canon Mac AAA
Grade: 11th
PIAA Event Seed:110H 19th & 300H 3rd
Personal Best (PB): 110H-14.65 & 300H 37.81
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: Canon-McMillan junior Aaron Taylor is a true example of how hard work pays off. He enters the AAA boys’ 300-meter hurdles as the No. 3 seed after breaking the 38-second barrier with a standout performance at the WPIAL Finals. Now competing against the fastest hurdlers in the state, Aaron is poised to rise to the occasion. The elevated competition will only push him to run faster and dig deeper as he sets his sights on bringing home a PIAA state championship medal.
Name: Dino Nadarevic
School: Gateway AAA
Grade: 12th
PIAA Event Seed: Discus 1st & Shot Put 1st
Personal Best (PB): Discus 187-0 & Shot Put 59.5 1/2
PIAA Results from Last Year: Discus 7th
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: Gateway senior Dino Nadarevic enters the PIAA Championships as the top seed in both the AAA boys’ shot put and discus. Holding the No. 1 spot in two of the most competitive field events is no small feat—and it’s only fueling his determination to bring home double gold. With his technique dialed in and confidence at an all-time high, Dino is primed for a breakout performance. Don’t be surprised if he delivers two big personal records this weekend as he looks to cement his place among Pennsylvania’s elite throwers.
Name: Jonathan Newton
School: West Allegheny AAA
Grade: 9th
PIAA Event Seed: 400m– 29th (2nd 9th grader)
Personal Best (PB): 400m- 49.50
Coach Nixon’s Thoughts: West Allegheny freshman Jonathan Newton is a name you’ll be hearing a lot over the next four years. Qualifying for the PIAA Championships in a physically and mentally demanding event like the 400-meter dash is a remarkable achievement—especially for a first-year athlete. As one of only two freshmen in the AAA boys’ 400-meter field, Jonathan has already shown he can compete with the state’s best. This valuable experience on the big stage will only make him stronger, more confident, and even more dangerous in the seasons ahead.
If you enjoyed this NixonTFXC preview, please consider supporting the site by using the link below to make a donation. Your contribution helps keep the website free and accessible for athletes, families, and fans—providing top-quality track and field coverage throughout Western Pennsylvania. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference in shining a spotlight on our local talent.
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlySubscribe to NixonTFXC
2025 NixonTFXC Sponsors
Escape to a cooler paradise at Turtle Twist! As a beloved family-owned gem nestled in the heart of Canonsburg, PA, we invite you to treat yourself to an oasis of refreshment. Delve into the silky smoothness of our homemade frozen custard, experience the vibrant zest of our Italian ice, or relish the timeless joy of hand-dipped ice cream. For those seeking an explosion of taste, our popping boba is a must-try! And for the coffee aficionados, our rich, aromatic cups are a perfect pick-me-up. Perfectly situated on Rt 980, Turtle Twist isn’t just a treat destination; it’s your convenient escape with drive-thru service to satisfy those cravings on the move. Come join us for an unforgettable taste adventure!
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/p/Turtle-Twist-100063838359252
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/Turtletwist23
41st ANNUAL WHISKEY REBELLION 5K RACE
TWO DIFFERENT EVENTS TO CHOOSE FROM:
5K RUN (3.1 miles)
5K WALK (3.1 miles)
100% PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE CANON-MCMILLAN CROSS COUNTRY TEAM
Race date is July 4th, 2025! Join us for this TRADITION 41 years in the making before the big JULY 4th parade. A fun and festive atmosphere unique to our race!
Sign Up Here: 41st ANNUAL WHISKEY REBELLION 5K RACE
https://www.vault-athletics.com/
Vault Athletics is one of the premier pole vault facilities in Pennsylvania. Founded and run by Tim Tray, the facility is built on his passion for giving back what he once received as a young athlete—top-quality equipment, expert knowledge, and personalized coaching. “I am excited to teach and mentor both beginner and experienced athletes in Track and Field, and I am thrilled to create a space dedicated to that mission!” says Tray.
Conveniently located in Irwin, just 10 minutes from Norwin High School, Vault Athletics welcomes athletes of all skill levels.
14700 US Route 30, North Huntingdon, PA 15642.
Sign up here
https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/473938
Pacer Track Club is the premier track and cross-country team serving the South Hills neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, PA. We are proudly affiliated with the Three Rivers Association of USA Track & Field (USATF).
We welcome boys and girls ages 8 to 18 who have a passion for running—no prior experience is necessary. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, our team provides a supportive and competitive environment to help you grow and succeed.
Pacer Track and Field Club
https://pacertrackclub.com/
About X Shadyside
Since 1994, X Shadyside Health & Fitness has been the premiere all-inclusive fitness facility in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood. As a family-owned boutique gym, we’re able to offer a welcoming, supportive community that large chain gyms cannot. Whether you’re just beginning your fitness journey or an avid fitness lover, we’re excited to have you train with us.
X Shadyside
https://www.xshadyside.com/
X Shadyside Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/xshadyside/
The Salt and Pepper Food Truck is dedicated to delivering mouthwatering gourmet French fries right to your doorstep in the Washington County Area! Indulge in a truly delightful culinary experience with their perfectly seasoned and crispy fries. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will transport your taste buds to the streets of France. Whether you’re craving classic salted fries or adventurous peppered ones, this food truck has got you covered. Prepare to treat yourself to a delightful feast of irresistible fries that will leave you craving for more. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to elevate your snacking game with the Salt and Pepper Food Truck’s delectable creations. It’s time to savor the extraordinary flavors that this amazing food truck brings to your table!
Salt & Pepper Food Truck
Facebook Page
Instagram
TikTok
https://www.roedrunner.com/
https://www.instagram.com/roe_d.runner/
Tracy Roe
Certified RRCA Run Coach
BS Elementary Education & Special Education
Tracy Roe has become one of the leading running coaches in Western Pennsylvania. Based in New Castle, she helps coach runners of all ages and skill levels with friendly, experienced (and fun!) training.
Explore Coaching Plans
https://www.roedrunner.com/coaching-plans/
Nixon Track and Field & Cross Country News 