Brian Hagberg
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – As a freshman in 2021, the atmosphere of performing on the state’s biggest stage was a bit too much for Sheffield’s Emily Foster. In her second trip to the PIAA Track and Field Championships, Foster was “much improved” in earning a 13th-place finish in the high jump.
“Last year was nerve-racking, I don’t think I even cleared 4-8, I came down here and I choked pretty hard,” Foster said. “I didn’t know the atmosphere but now I kind of have a little bit of an understanding and what’s going on.”
Foster cleared five feet on a rainy day at Shippensburg University Friday (events were delayed for a time due to weather), which put her in a tie with 10 other competitors. Due to the number of attempts, she cleared the height on her third jump, Foster tied with Lakeview’s Erika McGowan for 13th.
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“Emily Foster’s return campaign . . . was a much-improved result,” Sheffield coach Jason Snell said. “On a day where you go out at the same height as the number 4, 3, and 2nd seed in the State of Pennsylvania, I’d say it was a great day at the office.”
After finishing in a tie for second at the District 9 championships, Foster came into the state meet as the No. 22 seed. She had the best finish in the event out of the four D9 competitors.
“I was also very happy that she was the highest finisher out of District 9 as well,” Snell said. “I know she was disappointed that she didn’t repeat as the District 9 Champion last week at districts, so for her to redeem herself against her fellow D9 opponents today was a great feat in itself.”
“This was a lot better than last year,” Foster said. “I hope I can improve each year.”
Had Foster been able to clear the bar at 5’2″, she would have been a state medalist. Snell is confident that will only drive Foster as she prepares for her junior season.
“This close call, jumping as high as medal winners, is just gonna make her all the more hungry for next year,” Snell said.
Foster puts her talents to use in the fall and winter as well as she is a member of the Sheffield volleyball team and plays basketball for Warren.
“She wants to get to some university camps this year and practice as much as Western Pennsylvania weather will allow,” Snell said. “Her participating as an every season athlete may make it tough to accomplish all her goals and routines, but I am a huge fan of multi-sport athletes and more than encourage her to share her talents in the many other sports she participates in to stay in shape and help her craft of jumping all the more.”
Full results from Friday’s action can be found here.
